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Question

Why does an atom have no net electric charge?


A

Its subatomic particles carry no electrical charge.

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B

The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged electrons.

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C

The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged neutrons.

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Solution

The correct option is B

The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged electrons.


The explanation for the correct option:

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that encompasses all the chemical properties of the element. An atom is composed of three subatomic particles known as electron, proton and neutron which are responsible for the entire mass and charge of the atom.

(B) The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged electrons: The positively charged protons are found inside the nucleus, which balances negatively charged electrons rotating in the circular path called the orbit. Hence, the atom remains neutral.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Its subatomic particles carry no electrical charge: Subatomic particles inside the atom named as protons and electrons carry positive and negative charge respectively.

(C) The positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged neutrons: Subatomic particle neutrons are present in the nucleus and do not carry any atomic charge.

Hence, option (B) is correct, the positively charged protons cancel out the negatively charged electrons.


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