1
2
3
4
5
1
6
910
Which statement best explains why the overall charge on an atom is zero?
O
O
The positive charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.
The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.
The negative charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud,
The negative charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud.
89

B. The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud.

Explanation:

Neutron has no charge, proton has positive charge while electron has negative charge. Overall charge on atom is zero, if the number of protons are equal to the number of electron. When both are equal in numbers, they cancel their effects and atom becomes neutral. Charge will appear on atom when they loss or gain electron. If they loss electron, positive charge appears on atom and becomes cation or if atom accept electron, negative charge appears on atom and becomes anion.

bacterium is not correct