Simple. Electrons have exactly the opposite charge of protons, and in a neutral atom there are as many electrons as protons.
2007-11-12 01:00:16
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answer #1
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answered by GusBsAs 6
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In a stable atom, the number of electrons (negative charge) and protons (positive charge) balance out each other exactly, so there is no net charge.
If the protons and electrons are not the same in number, the particle is an ion; not an atom. If there are more protons than electrons, the overall charge will be positive, (a cation) and if the number of electrons is greater, the overall charge will be negative (anion).
2007-11-12 01:00:07
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answer #2
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answered by AndrewG 7
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Atoms normally have the same number of electrons and protons. Electrons each have one negative charge. Protons each have one positive charge, so the charges cancel. Take helium, for example. Helium has two electrons, each with a charge of minus one, two protons, each with a charge of plus one, and two neutrons, which do not have a charge. When you add the charges, you get zeros, or no charge,
(-1) + (-1) + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 = 0.
2007-11-12 01:01:57
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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electrons in an atom has a"-" charge and protons have "+" charge. as they r equal in number. so their charges cancel out and atom doesnot have any charge. i m sure this would have helped u.
2007-11-12 01:00:36
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Because the protons and electrons' charges cancel each other out.
2007-11-12 00:57:22
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answer #5
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answered by Marion K 3
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they do depending on the number of positive and negative charged particles in their make up?
2007-11-12 00:57:36
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answer #6
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answered by crazzijimsmith 7
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They swirl around alot like a cow in a tornado until they are cramped up like a house in an extra strong trash compactor
2007-11-12 01:02:41
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answer #7
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answered by mozart920319 1
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Marion K's right... How did u not kno that!?!
2007-11-12 00:58:31
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answer #8
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answered by alannah 3
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