Question

An atom contains 4 protons, 3 neutrons, and 5 electrons. what is its total electric charge?

Answer 1

Answer:

The charge will be "-1".

Explanation:

In a neutral atom there are protons and neutrons in the nucleus and the same number of electrons (as of protons) in the outer shells.

As given that there are four protons and 5 electrons, it means the given atom is not neutral.

An atom may have lesser number of electrons than that of protons or it may have more number of electrons.

If an atom has less number of electrons, it will carry positive charge

If an atom has more number of electrons, it will carry negative charge.

So the total electric charge on the atom will be "-1"

Answer 2

Neutrons are uncharged
proton (+4) + electrons (-5)= -1