Answer – A neutral atom is one that has the same number of protons as electrons.
Explanation:
An atom contains 3 subatomic particles: the positively charged protons, the neutral neutrons, and the negatively charged electrons. Each of the protons and electrons possesses a charge of 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs. While the charges are equal in value, they are opposite in sign.
Thus, an atom having the same number of protons and electrons will have an equal number of positive and negative charges. These get canceled out, leaving the atom neutral, or with no charge. Such an atom with an equal number of protons and electrons is called a neutral atom.
When a neutral atom loses or gains electrons, it will no longer be electrically neutral. It will then be called an ion. If the atom loses one or more electrons, it will have a higher proton number and will hence form a positively charged cation. If it gains electrons, its electron number will be greater, making the ion a negatively charged anion.
