The electrical charge on an atom as a whole is A) negative. B) neutral. C) positive. D) dependent upon the atomic number. 25)

Atoms are electrically neutral because they have equal numbers of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). If an atom gains or loses one or more electrons, it becomes an ion. If it gains one or more electrons, it now carries a net negative charge, and is thus "anionic."

B) neutral.