In a neutral atom, which is true?

• A. Protons exceed electrons
• B. Electrons exceed protons
• C. Equal numbers of protons and electrons
• D. Both are zero

Answer: (C)

In a neutral atom, charges balance: the positive charge from the protons in the nucleus is exactly offset by the negative charge of the electrons surrounding it. The number of protons defines the atomic number, and a neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons, so the overall charge is zero. That’s why equal numbers of protons and electrons is the true statement. If protons outnumbered electrons, the atom would carry a positive charge; if electrons outnumbered protons, it would carry a negative charge. Having both zero isn’t consistent with an atom that has a positively charged nucleus and surrounding electrons.