Praxis 5005 Practice Question

A neutral atom always contains an equal number of which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, ensuring that the positive and negative charges balance out, resulting in no overall charge.

Option B is incorrect because protons and neutrons do not need to be equal; the number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes.

Option C is also wrong, as neutrons are neutral particles and do not interact with the charge balance of the atom.

Option D is incorrect since alpha particles are not found in neutral atoms; they are made of two protons and two neutrons and are emitted during certain types of radioactive decay.

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