How many electrons are present in the electron cloud of a neutral carbon atom?

• A. 6
• B. 8
• C. 4
• D. 12

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons.
2. Identify the atomic number of carbon, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus of a carbon atom.
3. Since carbon's atomic number is 6, it has 6 protons.
4. Because the atom is neutral, the number of electrons must also be 6 to balance the positive charge of the protons.
5. Therefore, the electron cloud of a neutral carbon atom contains 6 electrons.