Question

Which atom would be neutral?(1 point)
Responses

an oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons

an oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons

an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons
an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons

an oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons

Answer 1

An atom is neutral when it has an equal number of electrons and protons.

Let's analyze the given options:

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

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

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

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

The neutral atom is:
**An oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons.**