Question

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

Answer 1

To determine if an atom is neutral, we need to compare the number of protons and electrons. An atom is neutral when it has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged).

Let's analyze each option:

1. **An oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons:**
- Protons: 18
- Electrons: 16
- This atom is not neutral (18 protons > 16 electrons).

2. **An oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons:**
- Protons: 8
- Electrons: 9
- This atom is not neutral (9 electrons > 8 protons).

3. **An oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons:**
- Protons: 6
- Electrons: 4
- This atom is not neutral (6 protons > 4 electrons).

4. **An oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons:**
- Protons: 8
- Electrons: 8
- This atom is neutral (8 protons = 8 electrons).

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