Which subatomic particles contribute to the net charge of an atom, and how does each affect the net charge?

• A. Protons, neutrons, and electrons; all three change the net charge.
• B. Only protons; protons increase net charge.
• C. Protons and electrons; protons increase net charge, electrons decrease net charge.
• D. Neutrons and electrons; neutrons increase net charge, electrons decrease net charge.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an atom is composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Understand the charge of each particle: protons have a positive charge (+1), electrons have a negative charge (-1), and neutrons have no charge (0).
3. Recognize that the net charge of an atom is determined by the balance between the number of protons and electrons, since neutrons do not contribute to charge.
4. Express the net charge mathematically as \(\text{Net Charge} = (+1) \times \text{number of protons} + (-1) \times \text{number of electrons}\).
5. Conclude that protons increase the net positive charge, electrons decrease it by adding negative charge, and neutrons have no effect on the net charge.