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The overall net charge of an atom is zero because it contains an equal number of protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, which are negatively charged. The positive charge of protons balances out the negative charge of electrons. Neutrons, which have no charge, do not affect the overall charge. Therefore, in a neutral atom, the total positive and negative charges cancel each other out, resulting in a net charge of zero.

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Is the net charge of an atom always zero?

The net charge of an atom is always zero, because if an atom gains or loses electrons, causing it to acquire a net charge, we then call it an ion, rather than an atom.


Is the charge of a nucleus positive negative or zero The charge of an atom?

The charge of a nucleus is positive, as it contains protons which have a positive charge. The charge of an atom overall is neutral, as the number of protons (positive charge) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charge) in a neutral atom.


Why does an atom have a net zero change?

All atoms of any element are electrically neutral as they will have the same number of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons in order to maintain electrical neutrality.


What is the overall electrical charge of and atom?

An atom is electrically neutral overall because it has an equal number of protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, which are negatively charged. The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus balances the negative charge of the electrons surrounding the nucleus. Therefore, when these charges are combined, the total electrical charge of a neutral atom is zero. However, if an atom gains or loses electrons, it can become an ion, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.


What is the overall charge of the atom since the atom contains positive charges and negative charges. how is that possible?

An atom is always neutral of charge, meaning ZERO. This is possible because of the equal numbers of (positive) protons and (negative) electrons, each plus charge is compensated by one (equally negative) minus charge.

Related Questions

If the number of protons equals the number of electrons the overall charge of the atom is?

zero .. such an atom is neutral. No net charge


Is the net charge of an atom always zero?

The net charge of an atom is always zero, because if an atom gains or loses electrons, causing it to acquire a net charge, we then call it an ion, rather than an atom.


What is the charge of an unbonded atom?

An unbonded atom has a neutral charge, meaning it has an equal number of protons and electrons. The positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero.


What net charge does a sodium atom have?

A sodium atom has a net charge of zero. A sodium ion has a net charge of 1+.


Is the charge of a nucleus positive negative or zero The charge of an atom?

The charge of a nucleus is positive, as it contains protons which have a positive charge. The charge of an atom overall is neutral, as the number of protons (positive charge) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charge) in a neutral atom.


What electric charge is in atoms with equal numbers of electrons and protons?

Atoms with equal numbers of electrons and protons are electrically neutral, meaning they have a charge of zero. This balance of positive protons and negative electrons cancels out any overall charge in the atom.


The net electrical charge of an atom is zero because it contains?

an equal number of protons and electrons, which are positively and negatively charged respectively. The positive charge of the protons cancels out the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom.


What is electrical charge in a neutral atom?

Neutral atoms always have a net charge of 0(zero).


Why is a regular atom neutral?

A regular atom is neutral because it has an equal number of protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, which are negatively charged. The positive and negative charges balance each other out, resulting in no overall charge for the atom.


What net charge does argon have?

Argon is a noble gas and has a net charge of zero because it is an atom with equal numbers of protons and electrons, balancing out the positive and negative charges.


What is the ionic charge of carbonic acid?

Zero. A compound will never have a net ionic charge.


Is the overall charge of a formula unit for a compound never zero?

The overall charge of a formula unit for a compound can be zero if the compound is neutral, meaning the positive and negative charges balance out. However, if the compound is an ion or has a net charge, then the overall charge of the formula unit will not be zero.