Why are most atoms electrically neutral?

• A. Because atoms contain only neutrons and protons.
• B. Because the number of neutrons equals the number of electrons in an atom.
• C. Because the number of protons equals the number of neutrons in an atom.
• D. Because the number of protons equals the number of electrons in an atom.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms are composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Recall that protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are electrically neutral.
3. Recognize that the overall electrical charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of protons and electrons.
4. Note that in a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) is exactly equal to the number of electrons (negative charges), so their charges cancel out.
5. Conclude that because the positive and negative charges balance, most atoms are electrically neutral.