Atomic structure review: Which subatomic particle inside an atom carries no net electrical charge?

Introduction / Context:
Circuit behavior ultimately arises from atomic charges. Knowing which particles are charged or neutral helps explain conduction, insulation, and electrostatics in materials used for electrical engineering.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard atomic model with protons and neutrons in the nucleus, electrons in orbitals.
• Elementary charge magnitude denoted by e.
• No exotic particles or ions beyond this scope.

Concept / Approach:
Protons carry a positive charge of +e. Electrons carry a negative charge of −e and are mobile in conductors. Neutrons are electrically neutral, contributing mass and nuclear stability without contributing charge.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List particle charges: proton = +e, electron = −e, neutron = 0.Match to question: the one with zero charge is the neutron.Relate to materials: electron mobility in metals explains conductivity; neutral neutrons do not affect electric fields directly.Confirm selection: choose neutron.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook atomic tables show neutron with no net charge and mass slightly greater than proton, consistent with nuclear physics measurements.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Proton: positively charged; central to defining atomic number.Electron: negatively charged; principal charge carrier in metals.All of the above: incorrect because two of the three have nonzero charge.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming neutrality means absence from interactions; neutrons influence nuclear stability but not electric fields.Confusing neutrality of atoms overall with neutrality of individual particles.

Final Answer:
Neutron