What is the net charge of the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Neutral, because protons and neutrons cancel each other's charges
• B. Positive, due to the presence of protons
• C. Zero, because electrons balance the charge of the nucleus
• D. Negative, due to the presence of neutrons

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, while electrons orbit outside the nucleus.
2. Understand that protons carry a positive charge (+1 each), neutrons have no charge (neutral), and electrons carry a negative charge (-1 each).
3. Since neutrons are neutral, they do not contribute to the net charge of the nucleus.
4. Electrons are outside the nucleus, so their negative charge does not affect the charge of the nucleus itself.
5. Therefore, the net charge of the nucleus is determined solely by the number of protons, making it positive.