QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
A lithium atom has three protons, three neutrons, and three electrons. What is the overall charge on this atom?
A. + 1
B. + 3
C. 6
D. - 3
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step-by-step following the precise LaTeX and formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Determine the number of protons
- Total positive charge from protons: $$3 \times (+1) = +3
- A lithium atom has 3 protons
Step 3:: Determine the number of electrons
- Total negative charge from electrons: $$3 \times (-1) = -3
- A lithium atom has 3 electrons
Step 4:: Calculate the overall charge
- $$+3 + (-3) = 0
- Overall charge = Charge from protons + Charge from electrons
Step 5:: Verify the result
- The number of protons equals the number of electrons - This means the atom is electrically neutral
Final Answer
The correct answer is that the lithium atom has a neutral charge of 0. Key Insight: In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) equals the number of electrons (negative charges), resulting in a net charge of zero.
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