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Why are neutrons considered 'neutral' particles, and what implication does this have for an atom's charge?

ChemistryClass 11CBSEAnswered 18 May 2026
Answer

Neutrons are considered 'neutral' because they possess no electrical charge. This means they do not contribute to the overall electrical charge of an atom, only to its mass.
The neutrality of neutrons is fundamental. While they add mass to the nucleus, they do not affect the balance between positive protons and negative electrons. Therefore, the overall charge of an atom is determined solely by the number of protons and electrons.

Chemistry · Class 11