Question

how do the charges of protons and electrons compare in a neutral atom? they balance each other; protons exceed electrons; electrons exceed protons; they cancel out partially

Explanation:

In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positively charged) is equal to the number of electrons (negatively charged). Their charges are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, so they balance each other, resulting in a net charge of zero for the atom. The other options are incorrect: protons don't exceed electrons (that would make a positive ion), electrons don't exceed protons (that would make a negative ion), and they don't cancel out partially (they fully balance).

Answer:

A. They balance each other