Question

which of the following atoms would be electrically neutral? 10 protons, 10 neutrons, 0 electrons 10 protons, 5 neutrons, 5 electrons 5 protons, 5 neutrons, 10 electrons 5 protons, 10 neutrons, 5 electrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall charge of sub - atomic particles

Protons have a charge of + 1, electrons have a charge of - 1, and neutrons have a charge of 0. An atom is electrically neutral when the number of protons (positive charge) equals the number of electrons (negative charge).

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: 10 protons (+10 charge), 0 electrons (0 charge), not neutral.
• Option 2: 10 protons (+10 charge), 5 electrons (- 5 charge), not neutral.
• Option 3: 5 protons (+5 charge), 10 electrons (-10 charge), not neutral.
• Option 4: 5 protons (+5 charge), 5 electrons (-5 charge), net charge = + 5+( - 5)=0, neutral.

Answer:

5 protons, 10 neutrons, 5 electrons