# Explain why atoms have no overall electrical charge, even though they contain charged particles.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C1 Atomic structure and the periodic table · Explain · 4 marks

> Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Despite containing particles that carry electrical charges, atoms themselves are electrically neutral.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Protons carry a positive charge and electrons carry a negative charge (neutrons have no charge / are neutral)
2. The number of protons equals the number of electrons in an atom
3. The positive charges (from protons) and negative charges (from electrons) are equal in magnitude
4. Therefore the overall / net charge is zero

## Key terms

- [charge](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/charge)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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