GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -The number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged) are equal in an atom. Therefore the opposite charges are balanced and thus there is no net charge on the atom. Moreover, neutrons present in the atom have no charge. Hence an atom is electrically neutral.

Detailed explanation-3: -Heavier atoms tend to have more neutrons than protons, but the number of electrons in an atom is always equal to the number of protons. So an atom as a whole is electrically neutral.

Detailed explanation-4: -Neutral atoms have the same number of electrons and protons. Atoms of an element that contain different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes.

Detailed explanation-5: -A proton and an electron have an equal amount but an opposite type of charge. Thus, if an atom contains equal numbers of protons and electrons, the atom is described as being electrically neutral.