Electric charge of Atoms:
The atomic number of an element (Z) denotes the number of protons (p+) in its core which distinguishes it chemically with unique properties. It designates the charge number of the nucleus and varies from 1 to 118.
Neutrons (n0) help stabilize the atomic nucleus by contributing to the strong nuclear force that holds protons together, counteracting the electrical repulsion between positively charged protons. The neutrons particles help the positively charged protons to co-exist in the core of an atom without repelling each other.
Adding or removing neutrons does not affect the overall electrical charge of an atom in any way. Instead that’s influenced by the number of protons vs the number of electrons which the atom possesses in total.
Stable atoms usually have a correspondingly equal number of electrons (e-) surrounding the core, thereby making the atom electrically neutral overall. Deviation in the number of electrons (resulting from chemical bonding or ionization due to radiation) affects the electric charge of atoms.
" Electrons determine electrical charge; neutrons help determine nuclear stability! "
Different Isotopes:
Different isotopes of atoms have varying number of neutrons particles in their core. The atomic number of protons is constant. It’s all about the various number of neutrons inside the atom!
