How can atoms of two elements that have a different number of protons have the same charge?

A.by also having a different number of neutrons

B.by also having a different number of electrons

C.by having the same mass number

D.by being the same size atoms

The correct answer is B. By also having a different number of electrons.

To understand why atoms of two elements with different numbers of protons can have the same charge, we need to consider the fundamental structure of atoms. Atoms consist of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons have a positive charge, while electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons, on the other hand, have no charge and are neutral. The number of protons in an atom is referred to as its atomic number and determines the element it belongs to.

The total charge of an atom is neutral because the number of protons, which have a positive charge, is balanced by an equal number of electrons, which have a negative charge. In other words, the positive charge of the protons cancels out the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in a neutral atom.

So, even though atoms of two elements may have a different number of protons, they can have the same charge by having a different number of electrons. By adjusting the number of electrons, the atom balances out the positive charge of the protons, maintaining a neutral charge overall.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer: atoms of two elements with different numbers of protons have the same charge by also having a different number of electrons.