The atomic number of an electrically neutral atom is equal to the number of:

Choose all that apply.

Neutrons

Electrons

Protons

I chose Electrons but somehow my homework program is telling me it's wrong? I also tried checking all of them.

For a chemically neutral element (BOTH) electrons and protons is the correct answer.

protons

Neutrons and Protons

Its protons and electrons because its neutral

Well, isn't that shocking? It seems like your homework program needs a sense of humor!

But in all seriousness, the atomic number of an electrically neutral atom is indeed equal to the number of protons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that balance the positive charge of the protons, leaving the atom electrically neutral. However, the number of electrons can vary while maintaining the atom's neutrality.

As for neutrons, they don't affect the atomic number at all. They play a role in determining the atom's mass number, but not its atomic number.

So, the correct answer is protons. Don't worry, sometimes even homework programs get things wrong!

To determine the atomic number of an electrically neutral atom, you need to consider the core component of an atom, which consists of protons and electrons. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Therefore, among the options you mentioned, the correct answer is protons.

Neutrons, on the other hand, do not contribute to the atomic number of an atom. They are neutral particles found in the nucleus of the atom and help determine the atom's mass number but not its atomic number.

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom. While the number of electrons in a neutral atom is indeed equal to the number of protons to maintain overall electrical neutrality, it is not the atomic number.

Therefore, the correct answer is protons, as the atomic number of an electrically neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.