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It would otherwise be an ion, which is just like an atom in all regards except it is missing electrons or has extras. An ion always tries to get rid of extras or gain when it has too few, because that is just how things are: it is positive and attracts negatives when it has too few, or is negative and has less attraction than one that is positive to its own electrons when it has too many.

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12y ago
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AnswerBot

1w ago

An atom needs to be neutral because it has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). This balance of positive and negative charges allows the atom to be stable. If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion and can form chemical bonds with other ions to achieve stability.

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14y ago

To be neutral, all compounds need the same number of protons and electrons. The protons and electrons have positive and negative charges that cancel each other out in a 1:1 ratio.

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12y ago

yes, or else the earth would explode :D

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Q: Why does an atom have to be neutral?
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Related questions

What is bigger a neutral atom or a negative atom?

neutral atom


What will be the charge of a neutral atom?

A neutral atom will have a charge of ZERO


Is hydrogen a neutral atom or ion?

Hydrogen atom is neutral.


How many electrons in a neutral atom of chlorine?

There are 17 electrons i a neutral atom of chlorine.


What does an atom do to get neutral?

In an neutral atom, the number of protons and the electrons are the same


Is nitrogen an neutral atom or an ion?

Neutral atom. An atom of nitrogen will also be an isotope of nitrogen.


How many electron are in an neutral atom of sodium?

A neutral atom of sodium has 11 electrons. Sodium has an atomic number of 11, which indicates the number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom.


If a neutral atom has 8 protons it must have how many electrons?

If a neutral atom has 8 protons, it will also have 8 electrons since the number of protons and electrons are equal in a neutral atom. This balance maintains the overall charge of the atom as neutral.


How many electrons does a neon have if its a neutral atom?

Neon has ten electrons and as a Nobel gas is generally neutral


When you have a neutral atom what are the electrons equal to?

The electrons are equal to the amount of protons in that neutral atom.


How man electrons does a neutral atom of carbon have?

The neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons.


How many electrons does the neutral atom of lithium have?

The neutral atom of lithium has 3 electrons.