Question

In order for an atom to have a zero charge, every proton, which has a charge of +1, must be matched with an electron, which has a charge of -1. A helium atom has 2 protons and 2 electrons. Explain why a helium atom has a zero charge.

Answer 1

Answer:

A helium atom has no charge, which means it has an oxidation number of 0. ... Since the numbers of protons and electrons are equal, the positive charge of the protons and the negative charge of the electrons add up to zero.

Step-by-step explanation: