* Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
* Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.
The balance:
* The positive charge of each proton is exactly equal in magnitude to the negative charge of each electron.
* Since there are an equal number of protons and electrons, their charges cancel each other out, resulting in a neutral overall charge for the atom.
Exceptions:
* Ions: Atoms can gain or lose electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. These charged atoms are called ions.
* Radioactive decay: Some atoms can undergo radioactive decay, which can alter the number of protons and electrons, leading to a change in charge.
In summary: The neutral charge of an atom is a fundamental property determined by the balance between its positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.
