An atom contains

Question

An atom contains

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An atom contains the same number of protons (positive charges) as electrons (negative charges), which balances out the charge and makes the atom electrically neutral. Neutrons have no charge and their number can vary within the same element, giving rise to different isotopes. Nuclei are the central core of the atom made of protons and neutrons, and their number is specific to each element. Option E is not correct because all atoms have at least one proton (otherwise they would be neutral particles called neutrons). Option A is not correct because the number of neutrons can be higher or lower than that of electrons, affecting the atomic mass of the element. Option B is not correct because only some elements have the same number of protons and neutrons in their stable form (e.g. helium-4, carbon-12), whereas others have higher or lower numbers of neutrons, leading to radioactive decay. Option C is not correct because nuclei are not separate entities from electrons, but are part of the atom's overall structure.

An Atom Contains