The hydrogen atom has one electron, which is ____ charged, and one proton, which is ____ charged.

Prepare for the Southeast Lineman Training Center Exam with quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and knowledge through interactive tests. Get exam-ready!

Electric charge of subatomic particles is the key idea. Electrons carry a negative charge, while protons carry a positive charge, and they have equal magnitude. A hydrogen atom has one electron and one proton, so the electron is negatively charged and the proton is positively charged. These opposite charges attract, and because their magnitudes match, they balance out to make the atom neutral overall (unless the electron is removed or added). Choosing an option that says the electron is positive, or the proton is negative, or that both are neutral or both negative, would not fit how these particles are actually charged.