Question

question 8 points 2 which of the following is responsible for an atom having an overall charge?

• by gaining neutrons
• by losing protons
• by gaining or losing electrons
• by gaining and losing neutrons

Explanation:

• Neutrons have no charge, so gaining or losing them doesn't change an atom's charge.
• Protons are in the nucleus and an atom doesn't typically lose protons (this would change the element).
• Electrons have a negative charge. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged (anion); when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged (cation). So gaining or losing electrons changes the atom's overall charge.
• Gaining and losing neutrons also doesn't affect charge as neutrons are neutral.

Answer:

By gaining or losing electrons