A neutral atom has the same number of protons as it does electrons.
True or false.
The correct answer and explanation is:
True.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. This balance ensures that the atom has no overall charge. Protons, which are positively charged particles, are located in the nucleus of the atom. Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus. The equal number of protons and electrons results in the cancellation of the positive and negative charges, making the atom electrically neutral.
The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which defines the element. For example, a carbon atom has six protons and six electrons, while an oxygen atom has eight protons and eight electrons. The number of electrons in a neutral atom is always equal to the number of protons. If the atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, with a charge. For instance, if an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation), and if it gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).
In summary, a neutral atom maintains electrical neutrality because the number of protons and electrons are equal, balancing the positive and negative charges. This fundamental concept is key to understanding atomic structure and the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.