The number of electrons in an atom is equal to what other subatomic particle?

The number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons. This equality is fundamental to the structure of an atom and ensures that the atom is electrically neutral. Protons, which are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of the atom, establish the atomic number of an element, determining its identity. Electrons, which are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus, balance the positive charge of protons. When an atom is neutral, the total positive charge from the protons matches the total negative charge from the electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus, but they do not have a charge and do not influence the balance of electrons; they primarily affect the mass of the atom. Ions occur when atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons, leading to a net charge. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together, which is a different concept altogether and does not relate to subatomic particle counts. Therefore, the connection between the number of electrons and protons is crucial for understanding atomic structure and chemical behavior.