Multiple Choice
Which subatomic particle is primarily involved in the formation of chemical bonds?
2. Atoms & Elements
Subatomic Particles
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Which best describes the relationship between subatomic particles in any neutral atom?
A
The number of protons equals the number of neutrons.
B
The number of neutrons equals the number of electrons.
C
The number of protons equals the number of electrons.
D
The number of electrons is twice the number of protons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a neutral atom has no overall charge, meaning the positive and negative charges must balance each other out.
Recall that protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) must equal the number of electrons (negative charges) to balance the overall charge to zero.
Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus and do not affect the charge balance of the atom.
Therefore, the correct relationship in a neutral atom is that the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
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