Which statement best explains why the overall charge on an atom is zero? The positive charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud The negative charge of the neutrons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud The negative charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the positive charge in the electron cloud

## Step 1<br />Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are composed of three types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Protons carry a positive charge, electrons carry a negative charge, and neutrons carry no charge. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />In an atom, the number of protons (which carry a positive charge) is equal to the number of electrons (which carry a negative charge). This balance of positive and negative charges ensures that the overall charge of an atom is zero.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Neutrons, despite carrying no charge, contribute to the mass of the atom. They are located in the nucleus of the atom, along with the protons.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The electrons, which carry a negative charge, are located in the electron cloud, which surrounds the nucleus. <br /><br />## Step 6<br />The positive charge of the protons in the nucleus equals the negative charge in the electron cloud, which is why the overall charge on an atom is zero.