To determine the number of electrons in a neutral helium atom, follow these steps:
1. Understand the atomic number: The atomic number of an element tells you the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. For helium, the atomic number is 2. This means a helium atom has 2 protons.
2. Determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. This maintains electrical neutrality, as the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons.
3. Match the electron count to the atomic number: Since helium has an atomic number of 2, and in a neutral helium atom, the number of electrons must also be 2.
Hence, a neutral helium atom contains 2 electrons.
The correct answer is:
A 2 electrons.
