An electrically neutral atom of lithium has 3 protons. Determine how many electrons it must have. 136More information is needed

Breakdown the Problem

1. Understand that an electrically neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons.
2. Identify the number of protons in a lithium atom.

Relevant Concepts

1. The definition of an electrically neutral atom: the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
2. Lithium has an atomic number of 3, meaning it has 3 protons.

Analysis and Detail

1. Since lithium is neutral, the number of electrons must equal the number of protons.
2. Lithium has 3 protons, so it must also have 3 electrons to maintain neutrality.

Verify and Summarize

1. Protons (positive charge) = 3
2. Electrons (negative charge) = 3
3. The total charge = 3 positive + 3 negative = 0, confirming neutrality.

Final Answer

Lithium must have 3 electrons to remain electrically neutral.