Chapter 4, Problem 44A

Explain why atoms are electrically neutral.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Reason for atoms to be electrically neutral should be explained.

Concept introduction:

Atom is the smallest particle in the element that can neither be created nor be destroyed. There are three subatomic particles present in an atom namely protons, neutrons and electrons.

Answer to Problem 44A

An atom is electrically neutral because the number of protons is equal to the number electrons and they are oppositely charged.

Explanation of Solution

An atom of any element has three subatomic particles:

Electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle that surrounds the nucleus in clusters.

Protons are positively charged subatomic particle present inside the nucleus. A proton is

Neutrons are zero charged subatomic particles present inside the nucleus along with protons.

An atom is electrically neutral because the number of positively charged protons is equal to the number of negatively charged electrons, thus the charges are cancelled out.

Conclusion

The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged electrons in an atom. Hence, the atom is electrically neutral.