Chapter 7: Problem 1

All matter contains both positively and negatively charged particles. Why do most things have no net charge?

Short Answer

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Answer: Most things have no net charge because they contain an equal number of positively charged particles (protons) and negatively charged particles (electrons), which balance each other out. In the stable state of these atoms, the positive and negative charges cancel each other, resulting in a net charge of zero. Additionally, when atoms gain or lose electrons and form compounds, they combine with other atoms in a way that maintains overall charge neutrality.

Step by step solution

Understanding the structure of an atom

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties. Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, and negatively charged electrons that orbit the nucleus.

The role of protons and electrons

Protons and electrons are responsible for the electrical charge of an atom. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry an equivalent but opposite negative charge. In most atoms, the number of protons and electrons is equal. Therefore, the positive and negative charges balance each other out, resulting in a net charge of zero.

Formation of charged particles

In some cases, an atom can gain or lose electrons, becoming a charged particle known as an ion. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged (an anion). Conversely, when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (a cation). Atoms can become ions through chemical reactions, interactions with other particles, or exposure to external energy sources, such as radiation.

Neutralization of charges in compounds

When atoms form compounds by gaining or losing electrons, they do so in a way that overall neutrality is maintained. For example, in the compound sodium chloride (common table salt), each sodium atom loses one electron to become a positively charged cation, and each chlorine atom gains one electron to become a negatively charged anion. The resulting compound has an equal number of positive and negative charges, so it has no net charge.

Conclusion

Most things have no net charge because, in their stable state, they contain an equal number of positively charged particles (protons) and negatively charged particles (electrons), which balance each other out. When atoms do gain or lose electrons, they tend to combine with other atoms in a way that maintains overall charge neutrality.

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All matter contains both positively and negatively charged particles. Why do most things have no net charge?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the structure of an atom

The role of protons and electrons

Formation of charged particles

Neutralization of charges in compounds

Conclusion

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