To build the largest neutral atom, you would need to consider the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons while maintaining the atom's charge neutrality. An atom is considered neutral when the number of protons (positively charged) equals the number of electrons (negatively charged).
The largest naturally occurring neutral atom is uranium, which has:
- Protons: 92
- Neutrons: Approximately 146 (in the most common isotope, uranium-238)
- Electrons: 92
However, if you are considering synthetic or superheavy elements, the largest confirmed neutral atom is oganesson (Og), which has:
- Protons: 118
- Neutrons: Approximately 175 (for the most stable isotopic state, oganesson-294)
- Electrons: 118
This means, combining these, the largest neutral atom you can build (based on the most massive confirmed element) is oganesson, with 118 protons, 118 electrons, and approximately 175 neutrons.
So, in conclusion, the largest neutral atom currently known is oganesson (Og) with the atomic number 118.