Certainly! Let's break it down:
A neutral atom is an atom that has an equal number of protons and electrons. The positive charge of the protons in the atom's nucleus is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons orbiting around the nucleus. The electrical charges cancel each other out, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom.
When an atom becomes ionized, it means it gains or loses electrons, causing an imbalance in the number of protons and electrons.
In the case of an atom losing electrons: If an atom loses one or more electrons, it results in a positively charged ion known as a cation. The loss of electrons leaves behind more protons than electrons, giving the ion a net positive charge. For example, if a sodium (Na) atom loses one electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na+), as the number of protons (positive charges) in the nucleus is greater than the number of electrons (negative charges).
In the case of an atom gaining electrons: If an atom gains one or more electrons, it leads to a negatively charged ion called an anion. The addition of electrons creates an excess of negative charges compared to positive charges. For instance, when a chlorine (Cl) atom gains one electron, it transforms into a chloride anion (Cl-), as the number of electrons (negative charges) exceeds the number of protons (positive charges).
However, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, resulting in a balanced charge. The positive charge of the protons cancels out the negative charge of the electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero.
So, while ions can exist due to the gain or loss of electrons, a neutral atom, by definition, has an equal number of protons and electrons, ensuring a balanced electrical charge.