Why are atoms electrically neutral under normal conditions?

• A. Because atoms do not contain any charged particles.
• B. Because the number of protons equals the number of neutrons in an atom.
• C. Because the number of neutrons equals the number of electrons 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. Recognize that protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are electrically neutral (no charge).
3. Recall that the overall electrical charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
4. Note that in a neutral atom, the number of protons is exactly equal to the number of electrons, so their charges cancel each other out.
5. Conclude that because the positive and negative charges balance, the atom has no net electrical charge and is electrically neutral under normal conditions.