Why don't atoms have an overall charge?

Atoms are made up of three types of particles: protons, neutrons and electrons.

The relatives charge on each of these particles are as follows: protons = +1, neutrons = 0, electrons = -1

Because neutrons are not charged, they don't affect the overall charge of the atom.

The number of protons in an atom is equal to the number of electrons. Because protons and electrons have equal but opposite charges, they cancel each other out.

OA
Answered by Oreoluwapo A. Chemistry tutor

22007 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Compare and contrast the structures of Diamond and Magnesium in terms of the position and interactions of particles within the substance. Comment on how this is reflected in their properties.


What is the electron configuration of Oxygen? Give it in terms of shells and subshells.


Why does the reactivity of group 1 elements increase as you go down the group?


The acid dissociation constant, Ka, of ethanoic acid is 1.78 x 10^-5 at 298K. Given that the concentration of a sample of ethanoic acid is 0.4moldm^-3, calculate its pH at 298K.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning