To determine the overall charge on a lithium atom, we'll follow these steps:
1. Determine the Number of Protons and Electrons:
A lithium atom has three protons and three electrons. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom is always equal.
2. Determine the Charge of Protons and Electrons:
- Each proton carries a positive charge (+1).
- Each electron carries a negative charge (-1).
3. Calculate the Total Positive Charge:
- Since there are three protons and each proton has a charge of +1, the total positive charge from the protons is:
[tex]\[
3 \times (+1) = +3
\][/tex]
4. Calculate the Total Negative Charge:
- Since there are three electrons and each electron has a charge of -1, the total negative charge from the electrons is:
[tex]\[
3 \times (-1) = -3
\][/tex]
5. Determine the Overall Charge:
- The overall charge on the atom is the sum of the positive charges and the negative charges:
[tex]\[
+3 + (-3) = 0
\][/tex]
Thus, the overall charge on the lithium atom is 0.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
0
