Question

what happens to an atom if it gains 2 extra electrons? how does this change its overall charge and identity?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand electron - charge relationship

Electrons are negatively charged particles. Each electron has a charge of - 1 elementary charge ($e = 1.6\times10^{-19}\ C$).

Step2: Calculate the new charge

If an atom gains 2 extra electrons, the change in its charge is $\Delta Q=2\times(- 1)= - 2$. So the atom becomes a negatively - charged ion (anion) with a charge of - 2.

Step3: Analyze identity change

The identity of an atom is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which does not change when it gains electrons. So the chemical element remains the same.

Answer:

The atom becomes a negatively - charged ion (anion) with a charge of - 2, and its chemical identity (the element it is) remains the same since the number of protons is unchanged.