Which feature defines a neutral atom?

• A. It has more protons than electrons.
• B. It has equal numbers of protons and electrons.
• C. It has more electrons than protons.
• D. It has equal numbers of protons and neutrons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an atom is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
2. Recall that the overall charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of protons and electrons.
3. Recognize that a neutral atom has no net electric charge, which means the total positive charge from protons must be exactly balanced by the total negative charge from electrons.
4. Therefore, the defining feature of a neutral atom is that it has an equal number of protons and electrons.
5. Note that the number of neutrons does not affect the charge of the atom; it only affects the isotope identity and mass.