If an atom has 17 protons, 14 neutrons, and 19 electrons, what is the atom's electrical charge?

Question

Biology

Lindsay Dyer

4 March, 09:53

If an atom has 17 protons, 14 neutrons, and 19 electrons, what is the atom's electrical charge?

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Answers (1)

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Amari Holden · Answer 1

Negative

Explanation:

Protons have a positive electrical charge and electrons have a negative electrical charge. One proton's charge is the same "strength" as one electron's charge so since there are two more electrons, it is a negative charge.

Say there were two protons and one electron. It would be a positive charge. Now I ask, if there are 43 electrons and 43 protons, would it be positive or negative? Trick question! Neither, because they cancel each other out.