Question

which of the following atoms would be electrically neutral?
o 10 protons, 10 neutrons, 0 electrons
o 10 protons, 5 neutrons, 5 electrons
o 5 protons, 5 neutrons, 10 electrons
o 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 are neutral (charge = 0). For an atom to be electrically neutral, the number of protons must equal the number of electrons.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: 10 protons (+10 charge), 10 neutrons (0 charge), 0 electrons (0 charge), net charge = + 10.
• Option 2: 10 protons (+10 charge), 5 neutrons (0 charge), 5 electrons (-5 charge), net charge = + 5.
• Option 3: 5 protons (+5 charge), 5 neutrons (0 charge), 10 electrons (-10 charge), net charge = - 5.
• Option 4: 5 protons (+5 charge), 10 neutrons (0 charge), 5 electrons (-5 charge), net charge = 0.

Answer:

5 protons, 10 neutrons, 5 electrons