Why does an atom have to be neutral?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

yes, or else the earth would explode :D