Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
## The reasoning
An atom has three main subatomic particles. Think of them like residents in a house:
- **Electrons** live in the outer shells and carry **negative charge (−1)**
- **Protons** live in the nucleus and carry **positive charge (+1)**
- **Neutrons** also live in the nucleus but carry **no charge (0)** — they're electrically neutral
The name "neutron" itself gives you a hint: *neut-*ral. It's the only subatomic particle with zero charge, which makes it very useful in nuclear reactions because it can slip into other nuclei without being repelled by positive charges.
## Why the wrong options tempt you
**A) Electron** — You might confuse "no charge" with "negative charge." But electrons definitely have charge; they're what make electricity flow!
**B) Proton** — Protons are positively charged. They determine an element's atomic number.
**D) Ion** — An ion isn't even a subatomic particle! It's an *atom* that has gained or lost electrons, giving it an overall charge.
## Quick takeaway
**Remember: Neutrons are Neutral — both words start with 'N' and both mean zero charge.**
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