A lithium atom has three protons, three neutrons, and three electrons. What is the overall charge on this atom?

A. [tex]$-3$[/tex]
B. 0
C. [tex]$+1$[/tex]
D. [tex]$+3$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the overall charge on a lithium atom, we'll follow these steps:

1. Determine the Number of Protons and Electrons:
A lithium atom has three protons and three electrons. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom is always equal.

2. Determine the Charge of Protons and Electrons:
- Each proton carries a positive charge (+1).
- Each electron carries a negative charge (-1).

3. Calculate the Total Positive Charge:
- Since there are three protons and each proton has a charge of +1, the total positive charge from the protons is:
[tex]\[ 3 \times (+1) = +3 \][/tex]

4. Calculate the Total Negative Charge:
- Since there are three electrons and each electron has a charge of -1, the total negative charge from the electrons is:
[tex]\[ 3 \times (-1) = -3 \][/tex]

5. Determine the Overall Charge:
- The overall charge on the atom is the sum of the positive charges and the negative charges:
[tex]\[ +3 + (-3) = 0 \][/tex]

Thus, the overall charge on the lithium atom is 0.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

0