An atom is electrically neutral because it contains an equal number of protons and electrons.
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Protons: These are positively charged particles that reside in the nucleus of the atom. Each proton carries a charge of +1.
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Electrons: These are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus in various energy levels or shells. Each electron carries a charge of -1.
In a neutral atom, the total positive charge from the protons is balanced by the total negative charge from the electrons. For example, if an atom has 6 protons (like carbon) and 6 electrons, the positive charge from the 6 protons (+6) is exactly canceled out by the negative charge from the 6 electrons (-6), resulting in a net charge of zero.
When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion (either positively charged if it loses electrons or negatively charged if it gains electrons), but in its neutral state, the balance of protons and electrons is what ensures that the atom has no overall electrical charge.