Question

which of the following would result in a neutral atom? *
2 electrons + 2 neutrons
7 protons + 9 electrons
8 protons + 8 neutrons
12 electrons + 12 protons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall charge - neutrality condition

A neutral atom has equal number of protons (positively - charged) and electrons (negatively - charged) since neutrons are neutral.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: 2 electrons + 2 neutrons. There are no protons, so it can't be a neutral atom.
• Option 2: 7 protons + 9 electrons. The number of electrons is not equal to the number of protons, so it's not a neutral atom.
• Option 3: 8 protons + 8 neutrons. There are no electrons, so it can't be a neutral atom.
• Option 4: 12 electrons + 12 protons. Since the number of electrons equals the number of protons, it results in a neutral atom.

Answer:

12 electrons + 12 protons