The net charge on the atom is zero because

  • A the electrons and the protons that are charged are in the nucleus
  • B the total charge on the electrons is equal to the total charge on the protons
  • C the neutrons from a shield around the charged protons
  • D the number of electrons in an atom is half the number of protons
  • E A and B above
jamb 1978physics

The correct answer is B. the total charge on the electrons is equal to the total charge on the protons

An atom is defined as having the same number of electrons (negative charge), protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge). This means that it will have the same amount of negative and positive charge, giving it a net zero charge. On the other hand, an ion has different amount of electrons and protons.

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