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Question
which feature defines a neutral atom? (1 point)
○ a full outer electron shell
○ the ability to change to another substance during a chemical reaction
○ the number of electrons equal to the number of protons
○ a low level of reactivity
A neutral atom has no overall electrical charge. Protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. When the number of electrons equals the number of protons, the positive and negative charges cancel out, resulting in a neutral atom. A full outer - electron shell relates to stability, not neutrality. The ability to change in a chemical reaction is about reactivity and chemical properties. A low level of reactivity is also about chemical behavior and not the definition of a neutral atom.
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the number of electrons equal to the number of protons