Which subatomic particle does not affect the overall charge of an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Positron
• C. Proton
• D. Neutron

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the overall charge of an atom is determined by the balance between positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
2. Understand that protons carry a positive charge (+1), electrons carry a negative charge (-1), and positrons are the antimatter equivalent of electrons with a positive charge (+1).
3. Recognize that neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they have no electric charge.
4. Since neutrons have no charge, they do not affect the overall charge of an atom, even though they contribute to the atom's mass.
5. Therefore, the subatomic particle that does not affect the overall charge of an atom is the neutron.