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When an atom is in a state of equilibrium, it is defined as:

  1. Charged

  2. Neutral

  3. Ionic

  4. Covalent

The correct answer is: Neutral

When an atom is in a state of equilibrium, it is defined as neutral because this condition arises when the number of protons, which are positively charged, equals the number of electrons, which are negatively charged. In this balanced state, the overall charge of the atom becomes zero, indicating that it has no net electrical charge. This neutrality is crucial in understanding atomic interactions and the behavior of elements in chemical reactions. In contrast, charged atoms, known as ions, occur when there is an imbalance between protons and electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. Ionic and covalent refer to specific types of bonds formed between atoms, but they do not denote the neutral state of an individual atom. Therefore, neutrality is the defining characteristic of an atom in equilibrium.