Which of the following statements about a neutral atom is correct?

• A. The number of neutrons always equals the number of protons.
• B. A neutral atom has no neutrons.
• C. The atomic number is equal to the sum of protons and neutrons.
• D. The number of protons equals the number of electrons.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that a neutral atom has no overall electric charge, which means the number of protons (positively charged) must equal the number of electrons (negatively charged).
2. Understand that the atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
3. Recognize that the number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes; therefore, the number of neutrons does not always equal the number of protons.
4. Know that the atomic mass number (A) is the sum of protons and neutrons, not the atomic number.
5. Conclude that the correct statement about a neutral atom is that the number of protons equals the number of electrons.