Explain why an atom has no overall charge

Atoms are made up of three different types of particle. Protons and neutrons exist in the nucleus, while electrons orbit.

The relative charges of these particles mean that protons are positive while electrons are negative. Since in an atom there are the same number of protons and electrons, the charges balance out. Neutrons are neutrally charged so have no effect on the overall charge.

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Answered by Salko K. Chemistry tutor

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