Explain why the number of protons in an atom must be equal the number of electrons

Question

English

Kelvin Miles

2 May, 23:50

Explain why the number of protons in an atom must be equal the number of electrons

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Regina · Answer 1

An atom is electrically neutral, because the positive charge of its protons exactly balances the negative charge of its electrons. For all atoms, the atom number = number of protons = number of electrons. If the numbers differ, it is no longer an atom, but an ion.