Which feature defines a neutral atom?
the ability to change to another substance during a chemical reaction the number of electrons equal to the number of protons the number of electrons equal to the number of protons a low level of reactivity a low level of reactivity a full outer electron shell
The feature that defines a neutral atom is having the number of electrons equal to the number of protons. This results in the overall charge of the atom being neutral. A neutral atom has no net charge.
The feature that defines a neutral atom is having the number of electrons equal to the number of protons.
The feature that defines a neutral atom is having the number of electrons equal to the number of protons. This means that the atom has no overall charge, as the positive charge of the protons cancels out the negative charge of the electrons.
To determine whether an atom is neutral, you can look at its atomic number, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus. By checking the periodic table, you can find the atomic number for a specific element. For example, the atomic number of carbon is 6, meaning it has 6 protons.
To find the number of electrons in a neutral atom, you can assume that the number of electrons equals the number of protons, as this balances the charges. In the case of carbon, it would have 6 electrons.
It's important to note that a neutral atom can still participate in chemical reactions. However, a neutral atom with a full outer electron shell tends to be less reactive. This is because a full outer electron shell provides stability, making it less likely for the atom to gain or lose electrons and form chemical bonds.