An atom is electrically neutral because which of the following is true?

• A. Its electrons have no electrical charge.
• B. Its nucleus contains no charged particles.
• C. It has equal numbers of protons and neutrons.
• D. It has equal numbers of protons and electrons.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an atom is electrically neutral when the total positive charge balances the total negative charge.
2. Recall that protons, found in the nucleus, carry a positive charge, while electrons, which orbit the nucleus, carry a negative charge.
3. Note that neutrons, also in the nucleus, have no electrical charge and therefore do not affect the atom's overall charge.
4. Recognize that for an atom to be neutral, the number of positively charged protons must be equal to the number of negatively charged electrons.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: an atom is electrically neutral because it has equal numbers of protons and electrons.