Question

A neutral atom, with atomic number greater than one consists of:
A.Protons only
B.Protons and neutrons
C.Neutrons and electrons
D.Neutrons, electrons and protons

Answer 1

Initially we need knowledge of terms like atomic number, mass number and the elements from periodic table with their mass number and atomic number.
We should also know that in any atom protons will be present for sure. And if an atom is neutral then the number of protons and number of electrons are the same.

Complete step by step answer:

As we know that there are no atoms found till date, in which we don’t have a presence of protons. So, we can cancel option (C) from our options, as it does not mention protons.
Now, since atoms are neutral, so the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons in such atoms.
Thus, confirms that the presence of protons and electrons. Now from the above option, we can say the correct answer could not be even (A) or (B).

Finally we can conclude that all 3 subatomic particles- proton, electron and neutrons are present. But still for information about neutrons, we should know one fact, that Hydrogen-1 isotope is the only atom which does not have neutrons, or else every atom will have neutrons. The hydrogen isotope with no neutron can be written as ${}_1^1H$ and this has no neutron.

Now, in the above question it is given to us that the atomic number is greater than 1, so the atom cannot be hydrogen. And also we know the concept of atomic number and mass number.
Atomic number = Number of protons in any atom = Number of electrons in neutral atoms.
Mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons.
Thus from above information, we can conclude that the correct option is (D) Neutrons, electrons and protons

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note:
There are 3 isotopes of hydrogen- hydrogen (protium), deuterium and tritium. The protium is the only atom with no neutrons, but even other hydrogen isotopes- deuterium and tritium have 1 neutron and 2 neutrons respectively. So every other atom will have neutrons.
For any atom to be neutral, an equal number of protons and electrons has to be present.