What is an atom called when it is in a state of equilibrium?

An atom is referred to as neutral when it is in a state of equilibrium, which means that it has an equal number of protons and electrons. In this balanced state, the positive charge of the protons in the nucleus is canceled out by the negative charge of the electrons surrounding it. This equilibrium ensures that the atom does not carry any overall charge.

In contrast, an atom can become positive if it loses electrons, resulting in a greater number of protons than electrons, or negative if it gains electrons, leading to more electrons than protons. Ionized atoms exhibit either a positive or negative charge depending on whether they have lost or gained electrons. Thus, a neutral atom, with its charge balance intact, is distinctly characterized by its equilibrium state.