Question

Which atom would be neutral?(1 point)
an oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons

Answer 1

An atom is neutral when it has an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).

Let's analyze each option:

1. **An oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons**
- Protons: 6
- Electrons: 4
- Not neutral (more protons than electrons).

2. **An oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons**
- Protons: 8
- Electrons: 9
- Not neutral (more electrons than protons).

3. **An oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons**
- Protons: 18
- Electrons: 16
- Not neutral (more protons than electrons).

4. **An oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons**
- Protons: 8
- Electrons: 8
- Neutral (equal number of protons and electrons).

The neutral atom is the fourth option: **an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons**.