Why do atoms have no overall electric charge even though most of their subatomic particles are charged?

• A. Because electrons have no charge.
• B. Because neutrons neutralize the charge of protons.
• C. Because the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in their charges canceling each other out.
• D. Because atoms only contain neutral particles.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that atoms are composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Understand that protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are electrically neutral.
3. Recognize that the overall electric charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of protons and electrons.
4. Since the number of protons (positive charges) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charges) in a neutral atom, their charges cancel each other out.
5. Therefore, despite having charged particles, the atom as a whole has no overall electric charge because the positive and negative charges balance perfectly.