What electrical charge does an atom get if it gains an electron versus when it loses one?

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Multiple Choice

What electrical charge does an atom get if it gains an electron versus when it loses one?

Atoms have positively charged protons in the nucleus and negatively charged electrons around it. In a neutral atom, the numbers of protons and electrons are equal, giving no net charge. When an atom gains an electron, it increases its negative charges, so the overall charge becomes negative. When it loses an electron, it has fewer electrons than protons, so the overall charge becomes positive. That’s why gaining an electron yields a negative charge and losing one yields a positive charge. For example, chlorine tends to gain an electron to form Cl− (negative), while sodium tends to lose an electron to form Na+ (positive).

Atoms have positively charged protons in the nucleus and negatively charged electrons around it. In a neutral atom, the numbers of protons and electrons are equal, giving no net charge. When an atom gains an electron, it increases its negative charges, so the overall charge becomes negative. When it loses an electron, it has fewer electrons than protons, so the overall charge becomes positive. That’s why gaining an electron yields a negative charge and losing one yields a positive charge. For example, chlorine tends to gain an electron to form Cl− (negative), while sodium tends to lose an electron to form Na+ (positive).

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