On the basis of Thomson’s model of an atom, explain how the atom is neutral as a whole.

Thomson’s Atom Model and Neutrality:
– Model Description: Thomson proposed the “plum pudding model” wherein an atom resembled a sphere of positive charge with embedded negatively charged electrons, akin to plums in a pudding.

– Positive Sphere Concept:
– Thomson envisioned the atom as a positively charged sphere, symbolizing the combined positive charge of the atom’s yet-to-be-discovered protons.

– Electron Distribution:
– Electrons, negatively charged particles, were dispersed within the positively charged sphere, scattered throughout the atom’s volume.

– Charge Balance:
– Thomson’s model suggested that the positive charge of the sphere balanced the negative charges carried by the embedded electrons.

– Neutrality Explanation:
– The positive charge distributed across the sphere effectively counteracted the negative charge carried by the electrons, resulting in an electrically neutral atom.

– Overall Atom Charge:
– Thomson’s model depicted an atom with an equal magnitude of positive and negative charges, leading to the atom being neutral overall.

Conclusion:
Thomson’s “plum pudding model” described an atom as electrically neutral by proposing a distribution of positive charge throughout the atom that balanced the negative charge carried by the embedded electrons. This concept illustrated an atom with an equal amount of positive and negative charges, resulting in its neutrality as a whole.