To find an example of an atom that has no charge, we need to consider the balance between protons and electrons in the atom. An atom is considered to have no charge (neutral) when the number of protons (positively charged particles) equals the number of electrons (negatively charged particles).
Let's analyze each option to determine which atom has no charge:
- Option A: 2 protons, 2 electrons, and 1 neutron.
- The number of protons = 2
- The number of electrons = 2
- Since the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons (2 = 2), this atom has no charge.
- Option B: 1 proton, 2 electrons, and 3 neutrons.
- The number of protons = 1
- The number of electrons = 2
- Since the number of protons (1) is not equal to the number of electrons (2), this atom has a negative charge.
- Option C: 3 protons, 2 electrons, and 1 neutron.
- The number of protons = 3
- The number of electrons = 2
- Since the number of protons (3) is not equal to the number of electrons (2), this atom has a positive charge.
- Option D: 3 protons, 1 electron, and 3 neutrons.
- The number of protons = 3
- The number of electrons = 1
- Since the number of protons (3) is not equal to the number of electrons (1), this atom has a positive charge.
From the analysis above:
- Option A: The number of protons equals the number of electrons, indicating that the atom has no charge.
- Options B, C, and D: The number of protons does not equal the number of electrons, indicating that the atoms have charges.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
O A. 2 protons, 2 electrons, and 1 neutron.
