True or False: Electrons in an atom are equal in number to protons.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes true
• D. Never true

Answer: (A)

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is indeed equal to the number of protons. This balance ensures that the overall charge of the atom is zero, as protons carry a positive charge and electrons carry a negative charge. When the number of electrons matches that of the protons, the positive and negative charges effectively cancel each other out.

This principle is fundamental in understanding atomic structure and is a key concept in chemistry and physics. If the atom were to lose or gain electrons, it would become an ion and would not maintain neutral charge, but in its stable state, the equality of protons and electrons is a defining characteristic.