Question

Which statement best explains why the overall charge on an atom is zero?

The positive charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.
The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.
The negative charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud.
The negative charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud.

Answer 1

Correct answer choice is :

B) The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.

Explanation:

This indicates the nucleus of an atom is constantly positively charged. An atom has a neutral overall charge because it has the same amount of electrons as protons. Protons and neutrons have the equivalent mass. Electrons have such a little mass that this can normally be considered as zero.

Answer 2

Option B, The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.

A proton has a charge of +1, and an electron has a charge of -1. In most atoms the number of electrons and protons cancel each other out, giving the atom a charge of 0.

-T.B.