Question

How can you tell if an atom is neutral or not?

How can you tell if an atom is neutral or not? In order to find the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an element.

Answer 1

Well what is its atomic number?

Explanation:

ARE there the required number of electrons for neutralilty? Most of the time, we have to intuit that there are 2 (or more) inner shell electrons..... This is something that you learn in organic chemistry, viz. the carbon atom in methane, `CH_4`, "OWNS" 6 electrons, 2 inner core, and 4 electrons from the `4xxC-H` bonds....the hydrogens each take 1 electron from the `C-H` bond@ carbon and the hydrogens are NEUTRAL. And given for carbon, `Z=6`, i.e. SIX protons in its nucleus, which is it what defines it as a carbon atom.....the carbon is properly regarded, and represented as NEUTRAL.

On the other hand the methyl anion, `H_3C:^(-)` has 5 electrons around the central carbon, i.e. the electron pair devolves solely to carbon, and with 2 inner core electrons the carbon claims SEVEN electrons, and is a formal anion.....

Anyway, if there is a specific problem, post it.....

Answer 2

See in the explanation

Explanation:

Atom implies for the neutrality of charge. Atoms are usually neutral because the number of electrons are equal to the number of proton. Charged atoms are called ions they have a positive or negative charge in their symbol.
Example
Sodium atom is 'Na'
Charged Sodium(ion) is '`Na^+`'.
`:.` Hence if the number of `p^+ != e^-` it is a charged atom