Question

Which statement best explains why the overall charge on an atom is zero?

The positive charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.

The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.

The negative charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud.

The negative charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud.

Answer 1

Answer:

The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud. (second one)

Explanation:  Electron theory of electrification

Every material is made up of atom. Every atom has nucleus which consist of particles called protons and electrons.

Proton : positively charge

Electron : negatively charge

Neutron : neutral charge or charge less

We know , charge on electron = charge on proton.

Means an atom has equal quantities of +ve and -ve charges.

Thus in whole ,

An atom is electrically neutral means the overall charge on it is zero.

Answer 2

Answer:

The positive charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud

• In any neural atom, total number of protons equals total number of electron

• Charge on electron are equal and opposite.That is why atom as a whole is electrically neutral.

Regards

Kshitij