Question

question 31
a complete atom is electrically neutral because
a the number of protons equals the number of neutrons.
b the number of electrons equals the number of neutrons.
c the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
d electrons is greater than the number of protons.

question 32
when forming a bond, an atom that has 3 electrons in its second shell and a filled first shell will
a lose 3 electrons from its second shell.
b lose all of the electrons from its first shell.
c lose all of the electrons from both its first and second shells.
d gain 5 electrons in its second shell.

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Explanation:

Question 31

To determine why a complete atom is electrically neutral, we analyze the charges of subatomic particles: protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral. For an atom to be neutral, the total positive charge (from protons) must equal the total negative charge (from electrons). So, the number of electrons (negative charge carriers) must equal the number of protons (positive charge carriers). Option A is incorrect because protons and neutrons don't affect charge balance in the same way. Option B is incorrect as electrons and neutrons have no direct charge - balancing relationship. Option D would result in a negative charge, not neutrality.

An atom's electron shell filling: the first shell is filled with 2 electrons. The second shell has 3 electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration (usually 8 electrons in the outer shell for main - group elements), it is easier for this atom to lose 3 electrons from the second shell (leaving the filled first shell as the outer shell) rather than gain 5 electrons (which is more difficult). Losing electrons from the first shell is not possible as it is already filled and stable. Losing electrons from both shells is also incorrect.

Answer:

C. the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Question 32