Here's why:

* Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

* Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.

Atoms are naturally electrically neutral. To maintain this neutrality, the number of positive charges (protons) must be balanced by an equal number of negative charges (electrons).

Example:

* A carbon atom has 6 protons. It also has 6 electrons to balance out the positive charges.

Let me know if you'd like to know more about atoms or their structure!