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
I agree with DrBob222. It is B.
The correct answer is B.by also having a different number of electrons.
To understand this, let's first clarify the concepts involved. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number and identifies the element. It also determines the positive charge on the nucleus, since protons have a positive charge. On the other hand, the number of electrons in an atom determines its overall charge, as electrons have a negative charge.
When two elements have a different number of protons, they belong to different elements and therefore have different atomic numbers. This means they have different charges on their nuclei. However, atoms are electrically neutral overall because the number of protons in the nucleus is balanced by the number of electrons surrounding it.
Therefore, to maintain overall charge neutrality, atoms of two elements that have different numbers of protons must also have a different number of electrons. The negative charge of electrons precisely balances out the positive charge of the protons, resulting in a neutral atom.
So, the correct answer is B.by also having a different number of electrons.