In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of what?

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of what?

• A. Neutrons
• B. Mass number
• C. Protons
• D. Isotopes

Answer: (C)

In a neutral atom, charges must balance so the net charge is zero. Protons in the nucleus carry a positive charge, and electrons surrounding the nucleus carry an equal amount of negative charge. For the atom to be neutral, the numbers must match, so the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Neutrons don’t affect charge, so they don’t determine neutrality. The mass number (protons plus neutrons) isn’t the same as the number of electrons, and isotopes differ in neutron count rather than electron count, keeping the electron number equal to the proton number in a neutral atom.

In a neutral atom, charges must balance so the net charge is zero. Protons in the nucleus carry a positive charge, and electrons surrounding the nucleus carry an equal amount of negative charge. For the atom to be neutral, the numbers must match, so the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Neutrons don’t affect charge, so they don’t determine neutrality. The mass number (protons plus neutrons) isn’t the same as the number of electrons, and isotopes differ in neutron count rather than electron count, keeping the electron number equal to the proton number in a neutral atom.