Question

Explain why an atom is neutral ?

Answer 1

Because it has the same number of Protons & Electrons.

Explanation:

Atoms are made up of positively charged particles called protons and negatively charged particles called electrons as well as non-charged particles called neutrons. The charge from a proton or electron are of equal strength, therefore if an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, it will be electrically neutral.

However, atoms are not always electrically neutral, in which case they are called ions. An ion is an atom that has lost or gained electrons resulting in a positive charge (from losing electrons) or a negative charge (from gaining electrons).