Question 2

Question

In order for an atom to be considered "neutral", which of the following must be true?

a
The number of protons and neutrons must be the same
b
The number of protons and electrons must be the same
c
There are more protons than electrons
d
There are more neutrons than protons

Answer 1

For an atom to be considered "neutral," the correct statement is:

b The number of protons and electrons must be the same.

In a neutral atom, the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in no overall charge. The number of neutrons does not affect the charge neutrality.