Question

which atom would be neutral? (1 point) an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons an oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 6 protons, and 4 neutrons an oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons an oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - neutrality principle

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 protons in its nucleus. For an oxygen atom to be neutral, it must have 8 electrons.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: An oxygen atom with 9 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons has a net charge of - 1 (9 - 8=1 extra electron), so it is not neutral.
• Option 2: An oxygen atom with 4 electrons, 8 protons, and 4 neutrons has a net charge of + 4 (8 - 4 = 4 more protons than electrons), so it is not neutral.
• Option 3: An oxygen atom with 16 electrons, 18 protons, and 16 neutrons has a net charge of + 2 (18 - 16 = 2 more protons than electrons), so it is not neutral.
• Option 4: An oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons has a net charge of 0 (8 - 8 = 0), so it is neutral.

Answer:

An oxygen atom with 8 electrons, 8 protons, and 9 neutrons