Question

1. reasoning in order for an atom to have a zero charge, every proton, which has a charge of +1, must be matched with an electron, which has a charge of -1. a helium atom has 2 protons and 2 electrons. explain why a helium atom has a zero charge.

Explanation:

Protons have a charge of +1 and electrons have a charge of - 1. In a helium atom, the number of protons (2) equals the number of electrons (2). The positive and negative charges cancel each other out.

Answer:

A helium atom has a zero charge because the +1 charges of its 2 protons are balanced by the -1 charges of its 2 electrons, resulting in a net - charge of 0.