What is meant by the statement “Atoms are electrically neutral”?

The statement "Atoms are electrically neutral" means that, on the whole, atoms have no net electric charge. Atoms consist of protons, which are positively charged particles located in the nucleus, and electrons, which are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus in a neutral atom.

Since the positive charge of protons is equal in magnitude to the negative charge of electrons, the overall charge of the atom is balanced, and it is electrically neutral. In mathematical terms, the sum of the positive charges (protons) is equal to the sum of the negative charges (electrons), resulting in a net charge of zero.

If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion and will have a net electric charge. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged (anion), and when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (cation). However, in its natural state, an atom is electrically neutral.