What is the overall electric charge of the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Positive
• B. It depends on the number of neutrons
• C. Negative
• D. Neutral

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons.
2. Understand that protons carry a positive electric charge, while neutrons have no electric charge (they are neutral).
3. Since neutrons do not contribute to the electric charge, only the number of protons determines the overall charge of the nucleus.
4. Because protons are positively charged, the overall electric charge of the nucleus is positive.
5. Therefore, the nucleus of an atom always has a positive charge regardless of the number of neutrons.