Question

a lithium atom has three protons, three neutrons, and three electrons. what is the overall charge on this atom? -3 0 +1 +3

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charge of protons

Protons have a charge of \(+1\) each. There are \(3\) protons, so total charge from protons is \(3\times(+1)= + 3\).

Step2: Determine the charge of electrons

Electrons have a charge of \(-1\) each. There are \(3\) electrons, so total charge from electrons is \(3\times(-1)=-3\).

Step3: Determine the charge of neutrons

Neutrons have a charge of \(0\). There are \(3\) neutrons, so total charge from neutrons is \(3\times0 = 0\).

Step4: Calculate the overall charge

Overall charge \(Q=+\ 3+(-3)+0\).
Using the formula \(a + b + c\) (where \(a = + 3\), \(b=-3\), \(c = 0\)), we have \(Q=(+3)+(-3)+0=0\).

Answer:

B. \(0\)