Atoms are electrically neutral when they contain the same number of which two particles?

Atoms achieve electrical neutrality when they contain an equal number of electrons and protons.

Electrons, which have a negative charge, balance the positive charge of protons found in the nucleus of the atom. The presence of an equal number of these two particles ensures that the overall charge of the atom is zero, making it neutral.

While neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom, they do not have an electrical charge and thus do not affect the atom's overall electrical neutrality. Therefore, the correct pairing for maintaining a neutral charge relies solely on the balance between electrons and protons.