why are all atoms neutral?

All atoms are neutral because all atoms have the same number of protons as they have electrons. Atoms are made up of a nucleus and electrons that surround their nucleus in shells. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons. Neutrons have no charge and protons have a '+1' charge. So the nucleus will have a positive charge with varying size, depending on how many protons it has. Electrons have '-1' charges and are always in equal numbers to the protons. So, the charges balance out. For every '-1' charge there is a '+1' charge.

FB

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain what a hydrocarbon is, and suggest two properties of hydrocarbons that leave a fractioning column near the top.


How do metals conduct electricity?


Explain why graphite can conduct electricity.


Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer. Give the formulae of the ions formed.