GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Thus, if an atom contains equal numbers of protons and electrons, the atom is described as being electrically neutral. On the other hand, if an atom has an unequal number of protons and electrons, then the atom is electrically charged (and in fact, is then referred to as an ion rather than an atom).

Detailed explanation-2: -If an atom has unequal numbers of protons and electrons, it will be charged and is called an ion.

Detailed explanation-3: -An atom is electrically neutral. This is because an atom contains an equal number of electrons and protons i.e, the number of negative charge carrying species (electrons) is in equal numbers with the positive charging species (protons). So, an atom is electrically neutral.

Detailed explanation-4: -When an atom has an equal number of electrons and protons, it has an equal number of negative electric charges (the electrons) and positive electric charges (the protons). The total electric charge of the atom is therefore zero and the atom is said to be neutral.

Detailed explanation-5: -So an atom as a whole is electrically neutral. When one or more electrons is stripped away from an atom, it becomes positively charged. Some atoms can attract additional electrons so they become negatively charged. Atoms which are not electrically neutral are called ions.