In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Which statement is true?

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Multiple Choice

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Which statement is true?

Explanation:
Neutral atoms have zero net charge, so the positive charge from protons must be exactly balanced by the negative charge from electrons. Since each proton and each electron carries one unit of charge, the numbers must be equal to cancel out to zero. The proton count defines the element (the atomic number) and doesn’t change in isotopes, while isotopes differ in neutrons. If the atom loses or gains electrons to become an ion, that balance is disrupted and the atom carries a net charge. So, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Neutral atoms have zero net charge, so the positive charge from protons must be exactly balanced by the negative charge from electrons. Since each proton and each electron carries one unit of charge, the numbers must be equal to cancel out to zero. The proton count defines the element (the atomic number) and doesn’t change in isotopes, while isotopes differ in neutrons. If the atom loses or gains electrons to become an ion, that balance is disrupted and the atom carries a net charge. So, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

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