Chapter 4, Problem 47A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : It needs to be determined why the atom is electrically neutral.

Concept Introduction : Atoms are fundamental tiny particles that act as the building block of matter.

Answer to Problem 47A

The atom is electrically neutral because there is no net charge in an atom as the number of protons is always equal to the number of electrons for an atom.

Explanation of Solution

Atoms are fundamental tiny particles that act as the building block of matter.

The atoms are electrically neutral and have no net charge.An electrically neutral particle is created when a certain number of negatively charged particles mix with a matching number of positively charged particles.

Protons are positively charged, and electrons are negatively charged. Neutrons have no charge. Protons and neutrons are found inside the nucleus while electrons revolve around them. No. of protons and electrons always equal in an atom. The negative chargesof electrons are cancelled by the positive charges of protons.

Therefore, the atom is electrically neutral because there is no net charge in an atom as the number of protons is always equal to the number of electrons for an atom.