Here's why:
* Neutral atom: A neutral atom has no overall charge.
* Protons and Electrons: Protons carry a positive charge (+1), while electrons carry a negative charge (-1).
* Equal Numbers: In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charges).
* Cancellation: The positive and negative charges cancel each other out, resulting in a net charge of zero.
Example:
A carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons. The total positive charge from the protons (+6) is exactly balanced by the total negative charge from the electrons (-6), making the atom neutral.
