Question detail

What is the overall charge of a neutral atom?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and isotopes

Question

A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Neutral
D. Varies with the element

Answer

Neutral

Explanation

A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Common mistake

Misconception about electron orbits

Students often think electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed circular paths like planets.

Explain that electrons are negatively charged particles that occupy discrete energy levels or shells around the nucleus, described by probability clouds rather than fixed circular orbits.

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