In a normal, uncharged atom, the numbers of protons and electrons are the same. Protons have a positive (+) electric charge, while electrons have a negative (-) electric charge. Since there are equal numbers of protons and electrons in a neutral atom, the total electric charge of the atom is zero. Positive charges of protons and negative charges of electrons balance each other, making the atom neutral.

Here's how it works:

1. Protons and Electrons: Inside an atom, there are three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are located in the nucleus of the atom, and electrons orbit around the nucleus.

2. Electric Charges: Protons carry a positive electric charge, electrons carry a negative electric charge, and neutrons are electrically neutral.

3. Number of Protons and Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus. This means there are an equal number of positive and negative charges.

4. Balance of Charges: The positive charges of the protons and the negative charges of the electrons balance each other out. The positive charges cancel out the negative charges, resulting in a net electric charge of zero.

5. Electrical Neutrality: Since the total positive and negative charges in the atom are equal, the atom as a whole is electrically neutral. This means that the atom does not have an overall electric charge.

Atoms can become charged or ionized when they lose or gain electrons. For example, if an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes negatively charged, and if it loses one or more electrons, it becomes positively charged. These charged atoms are called ions.