in an atom, when the atomic number equals the number of electrons, the atom is said to be what

Question

 i dont understand it

Answer 1

Hi Jasper from Dallas, TX. Have a great day at school.

Here are some things to think about:

• The atomic number represents the number of protons of that element.
• Protons have a positive charge.
• Protons are only one part of the nucleus of an atom
• Another part of the nucleus are the neutrons.
• Neutrons DO NOT have a charge. If they had a negative charge the nucleus could not exist, because the positive and negative charge would cause them to repel each other.
• Electrons, those subatomic particles circling the nucleus have a negative charge. 
• When the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, each positive and negative charge is balanced, has an equal and opposite charge, we the atom is neutral.
• When an atom loses an electron, like when another atom has a stronger attraction for electrons, the atom which loses the electron now has more protons than electrons, so it now has a positive charge. That atom now has a name called an 'ion'. For each electron lost, the ion is designated as either +1(when loses one electron), 2+(when an atom loses 2 electrons), 3+(loses 3 electrons) and so on. Since the atom has more protons and less electrons, it is called a 'positive ion'
• When an atom gains an electron, because it has a stronger force/affinity for electrons, it now has more electrons that protons. This is also called an ion. If an atom gains one electron, it is labelled -1(gains 1 electron), -2(gains 2 electrons), and so. This ion is called a negative ion.
• So, an atom with equal number of protons and electrons is called a neutral atom

Hope this helps