Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Atoms are electrically neutral as they contain equal number of positive and negative charges.

Statement II: Atoms of each element are stable and emit their characteristic spectrum.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

The correct option is: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Let us analyze both statements step-by-step:

Step 1: Analysis of Statement I
Statement I states: "Atoms are electrically neutral as they contain equal number of positive and negative charges."
An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus (containing protons) surrounded by negatively charged electrons. The magnitude of the positive charge of a proton is exactly equal to the magnitude of the negative charge of an electron. In any neutral atom, the number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the number of electrons orbiting it. Therefore, the total positive charge cancels out the total negative charge, making the atom electrically neutral. Hence, Statement I is correct.

Step 2: Analysis of Statement II
Statement II states: "Atoms of each element are stable and emit their characteristic spectrum."
This statement has two components: stability and emission of characteristic spectra. While it is true that atoms of most elements under normal conditions are stable, they do not continuously emit their characteristic spectrum. An atom only emits its characteristic spectrum (electromagnetic radiation) when it is excited (i.e., when electrons transition from higher energy levels to lower energy levels). In their ground state, stable atoms do not emit radiation. Furthermore, atoms of radioactive elements are unstable. Therefore, the sweeping claim that atoms of each element are stable and (continuously) emit their characteristic spectrum is scientifically incorrect.

Conclusion:
Since Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect, the most appropriate choice is: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.