In any neutral atom, there are equal numbers of

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To analyze this question, consider what neutral atoms require for electrical neutrality and what each pair represents.
Option 1: 'protons and neutrons.' Neutrons carry no electric charge, while protons do. A neutral atom does not require equal numbers of protons and neutrons; neutrons simply contribute to mass and nuclear stability. Therefore this pairing does not explain neutrality.
Option 2: 'positrons and electrons.' Positrons are positively charged antimatter counterparts of electrons. In ordinary atoms, positrons are not present in equal numbers to electrons under normal matter conditions, so this pairing does not describe the usual neutral atom.
Option 3: 'electrons and protons.' This pair reflects the fundamental charge balance in a neutral atom: the negative charge from electrons exactly balances the positive charge from protons, yielding no net charge. This alignment with charge neutrality makes this option consistent with the definition of a neutral atom.
Option 4: 'neutrons and electrons.' Neutrons are electrically neutral, and electrons are negative. Having neutrons with electrons does not guarantee overall electrical neutrality unless the number of protons is also considered; thus this option misses the essential role of protons in providing positive charge for balance in typical neutral atoms.
In summary, the key concept is that electrical neutrality arises from balancing positive charges (protons) and negative charges (electrons). The other pairings either involve uncharged particles or omit the critical proton contribution needed to achieve a net zero charge, whereas the electron-proton pairing directly accounts for the charge balance.

In any neutral atom, there are equal numbers of

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