AFOQT Practice Test

Which particle in an atom has no charge?

1. Proton

2. Electron

3. Neutron

4. Atom

The correct answer is: Neutron

The particle in an atom that has no charge is the neutron. Neutrons are found in the nucleus of the atom alongside protons, which carry a positive charge. The absence of charge in neutrons allows them to play a crucial role in stabilizing the nucleus, helping to balance the repulsive forces between positively charged protons. This neutral charge is essential for the structure of atoms, as it contributes to the overall mass of the atom without affecting the electrical charge. In contrast, protons are positively charged, and electrons carry a negative charge, making the neutron unique in its neutrality. The last option, "Atom," refers to the entire structure itself, which can be electrically neutral if it has an equal number of protons and electrons, but the atom as a whole is not a specific particle with a defined charge.