In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. This is because the positive charge of the protons in the nucleus is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons surrounding the nucleus. The atom as a whole has no overall electrical charge, making it electrically neutral.
Each proton carries a positive charge of +1, while each electron carries a negative charge of -1. Therefore, to maintain electrical neutrality, the number of protons in an atom must be equal to the number of electrons. For example, in a neutral carbon atom, which has an atomic number of 6, there are six protons and six electrons.
It's important to note that in certain cases, atoms can gain or lose electrons, resulting in charged species called ions. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes either negatively charged (anion) if it gains electrons or positively charged (cation) if it loses electrons. However, in a neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons are always equal.