Question

Which atom would be neutral?

an oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons

Answer 1

The amount of charge on a single proton is equal to the amount of charge possessed by a single electron. A proton and an electron have an equal amount but an opposite type of charge. Thus, if an atom contains equal numbers of protons and electrons, the atom is described as being electrically neutral.