Atoms are electrically neutral because they

1. Analyze the question The question asks why atoms have no overall electric charge.

2. Explain the concept An atom has three main subatomic particles:

• Protons: positive charge (+1), found in the nucleus
• Neutrons: no charge (neutral), found in the nucleus
• Electrons: negative charge (−1), found in shells around the nucleus

An atom is neutral when its total positive charge equals its total negative charge. This happens when the number of protons = number of electrons, which is the same as saying atomic number = number of electrons.

3. Solution: check each option

• A. Do not conduct electricity. Wrong. Many atoms, such as metals, conduct electricity. Conduction is also not the reason for neutrality.
• B. Contain equal number of protons and electrons. Correct. The +1 charges of the protons cancel the −1 charges of the electrons, so the net charge is zero.
• C. Are composed of neutrons and electrons. Wrong. Atoms also contain protons. Neutrons and electrons alone would leave a net negative charge.
• D. Cannot be attracted by electromagnetic field. Wrong. Neutral atoms can still be affected by magnetic fields (for example, paramagnetic substances), and this is not the cause of neutrality.

Example: Sodium has atomic number 11, so it has 11 protons (+11) and 11 electrons (−11). The net charge is 0.

4. Answer

5. Exam tip When you see "electrically neutral," think "positive = negative", meaning protons = electrons. If an atom gains or loses electrons, this balance breaks and it becomes an ion. Neutrons never affect charge.