Question

Which of these statements about atoms is true? a. They have more protons than electrons. b. They have more electrons than protons. c. They are electrically neutral. d. They have as many neutrons as they have electrons.

Short answer

The correct statement about atoms is option c: "They are electrically neutral" because the positive charges of the protons are canceled out by the negative charges of the electrons, resulting in equal numbers of protons and electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Protons, Electrons, and Neutrons

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. Finally, neutrons are uncharged particles also found in the nucleus.

Comparing Protons and Electrons

In an atom, the total number of electrons always equals the total number of protons. This is because the positive charge of a proton cancels out the negative charge of an electron.

Analyzing the given options

a. "They have more protons than electrons" - This is incorrect because, as we learned in step 2, the number of protons and electrons in an atom is equal. b. "They have more electrons than protons" - This is also incorrect for the same reason as option a, the number of protons and electrons in an atom is equal. c. "They are electrically neutral" - This is correct because the positive charges of the protons are canceled out by the negative charges of the electrons. As a result of having equal numbers of protons and electrons, atoms are electrically neutral. d. "They have as many neutrons as they have electrons" - This statement is not always true. While there are certain atoms where the number of neutrons is the same as the number of electrons, it is not a general rule for all atoms.

Selecting the correct answer

Based on our analysis, the correct statement about atoms is option c: "They are electrically neutral."

Key concepts

Protons and Electrons

In exploring the wonders of atomic structure, it's crucial to understand the relationship between protons and electrons. Protons are subatomic particles with a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge and are found in positions around the nucleus known as orbitals.

Why is the balance between protons and electrons important? Imagine a dance between two partners keeping perfect harmony—this is much like how protons and electrons stabilize an atom. For each proton, there's a corresponding electron, maintaining a charge balance. This is why the claim that atoms have more protons than electrons, or vice versa, is incorrect and contradicts the fundamental principles of atomic structure.

When an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, it behaves neutrally because the charges cancel each other out. This interplay ensures the stability of atoms and, consequently, the matter composed of these atoms.

Electrical Neutrality of Atoms

Diving into atomic principles, one of the most foundational is the concept of electrical neutrality. This principle states that atoms are generally neutral entities. This neutrality arises from an atom's structure having an equal number of protons, with their positive charge, and electrons, with their negative charge, as evidenced by choice c in the provided exercise.

Why is this significant? Electrical neutrality is the cornerstone of chemical reactions and bonding. It's the balance that allows atoms to interact with one another in a stable fashion to form molecules. When this equilibrium is disrupted, atoms can become ions, carrying a charge that makes them highly reactive. However, in their ground state, the neutrality of atoms dictates their behavior in various physical and chemical contexts, playing a critical role in the composition of everything around us.

Atomic Particles

The core components of an atom include three types of particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. As we discussed, protons and electrons are charged particles that provide the cornerstone of atomic structure, defining the element and its charge. Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral and do not contribute to the charge of an atom but add to its mass.

The quantities of these particles can vary extensively among different elements. For example, hydrogen, the simplest element, has one proton and typically one electron, but often no neutrons. In contrast, heavier elements can have a complex balance of all three particles. The misconception that the number of neutrons is always equal to the number of electrons (as per choice d in the exercise) is incorrect. Neutrons play a different role, influencing the isotope and stability of an atom rather than its charge. In essence, atomic particles work in concert to define the identity and properties of each element on the periodic table.