Multiple Choice
How many protons are present in a neutral carbon atom?
20
views
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following atoms would be electrically neutral?
A
An atom with 11 protons and 11 electrons
B
An atom with 12 protons and 10 electrons
C
An atom with 8 protons and 10 electrons
D
An atom with 7 protons and 6 electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an atom is electrically neutral when the number of protons (positively charged) equals the number of electrons (negatively charged).
Examine each option by comparing the number of protons and electrons:
For the atom with 11 protons and 11 electrons, the charges balance because 11 positive charges equal 11 negative charges.
For the atom with 12 protons and 10 electrons, there are more protons than electrons, so it is positively charged and not neutral.
For the atom with 8 protons and 10 electrons, there are more electrons than protons, so it is negatively charged and not neutral.
For the atom with 7 protons and 6 electrons, there are more protons than electrons, so it is positively charged and not neutral.
Related Videos
Related Practice
