An atom is considered electrically neutral because it has the same number of protons and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. When these charges are equal in number, they balance each other out, resulting in no overall charge for the atom. This balance is essential for the stability of the atom and contributes to its properties in chemical reactions.
Having more neutrons than protons does not affect the electrical neutrality of the atom, as neutrons are uncharged. Notably, if an atom lacked protons and electrons, it would not exist in a stable state, and an unequal number of protons and neutrons influences mass but not electrical charge. Thus, the correct understanding focuses on the balance of protons and electrons, which is fundamental to defining an atom's electrical neutrality.