Since all matter is made up of atoms that have positive and negative charges, how can an object be neutral? Explain.

thanks

Well, if the number of postive equals the number of negative, we define that as neutral. They spread evenly in matter, so no net charge can be found.

To understand how an object can be neutral despite being made up of positively and negatively charged atoms, we need to delve into the concept of charge balance.

Atoms consist of positively charged protons in the nucleus and negatively charged electrons orbiting around the nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of electrons orbiting it. Electrons have a negative charge equal but opposite in magnitude to the positive charge of protons, so the overall charge of an atom is neutral or balanced.

When atoms come together to form objects or substances, they retain their neutrality. This is because the positive protons in each atom are canceled out by the negative electrons in the surrounding atoms.

For example, consider a solid object made up of countless atoms. While atoms at the surface of the object may lose or gain electrons due to external factors, the overall charge of the object remains neutral as long as the number of electrons gained or lost is approximately equal.

The principle of electrical neutrality applies to all matter. In solids, the positive and negative charges are spread out uniformly, ensuring that the object as a whole has no net charge. In gases or liquids, the charges are also balanced throughout, resulting in a neutral state.

In summary, an object can be neutral because the positive charges of the protons in its atoms are balanced by the negative charges of the electrons, ensuring an overall charge of zero.