Question

ATOMS ARE ELECTRICALLY NEUTRAL (GIVE REASONS).​

Answer 1

Ответ: Because the number of electrons in the electron shell of an atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus

Answer 2

Atoms are electrically neutral because they contain an equal number of positively charged protons in the nucleus and negatively charged electrons orbiting the nucleus. The positive charges of the protons cancel out the negative charges of the electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero.

Here are the reasons why atoms are electrically neutral:

1. Equal number of protons and electrons: An atom consists of a nucleus that contains protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which have no charge. Orbiting around the nucleus are electrons, which have a negative charge. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number and defines its identity as an element. Atoms are electrically neutral because they have an equal number of protons and electrons.

2. Opposite charges cancel each other: The electric charges of protons and electrons are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. The positive charge of protons cancels out the negative charge of electrons when they are in equal numbers. This results in the overall charge of an atom being neutral.

3. Conservation of charge: According to the law of conservation of charge, the total charge in a closed system remains constant. During chemical reactions or physical processes, atoms may lose or gain electrons, resulting in charged particles known as ions. However, the number of positive charges remains equal to the number of negative charges, maintaining the overall neutrality of the system.

It is important to note that while atoms are electrically neutral, they can form compounds and participate in chemical reactions where electrons are shared, gained, or lost, resulting in charged species. However, on an individual atom level, the balance between protons and electrons ensures overall neutrality.