An atom can become charged by gaining or losing electrons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus of an atom contains positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons.
When an atom gains or loses electrons, the balance between the positive charge of the protons and the negative charge of the electrons is disrupted, resulting in an overall charge imbalance. Here's how it happens:
Ionization: When an atom gains or loses one or more electrons, it becomes an ion. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion. If it loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion called a cation. The number of electrons gained or lost determines the magnitude of the charge.
Gaining electrons: If an atom gains electrons, it exceeds the number of protons in the nucleus, resulting in a net negative charge. This happens, for example, when an atom interacts with another atom or molecule that donates electrons.
Losing electrons: If an atom loses electrons, it has fewer electrons than protons, leading to a net positive charge. This can occur when an atom interacts with another atom or molecule that accepts electrons.
The process of gaining or losing electrons can occur through various mechanisms, such as chemical reactions, the presence of electric fields, or interactions with other charged particles. It's important to note that the charge of an atom does not affect the number of protons in its nucleus, as the number of protons determines the atom's identity and atomic number.
Charged atoms, or ions, play important roles in various chemical reactions and electrical phenomena.