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Multiple Choice
What is the overall charge of an atomic nucleus?
A
Positive
B
Negative
C
It depends on the number of neutrons
D
Neutral
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that an atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.
Understand that protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are electrically neutral (no charge).
Since neutrons do not contribute to the charge, the overall charge of the nucleus depends only on the number of protons.
Because protons are positively charged, the total charge of the nucleus is positive and equal to the number of protons times the charge of a single proton.
Therefore, the overall charge of an atomic nucleus is positive.