Question

an atom either gains or loses ______ to become an ion. a electrons b neutrons c positrons d protons

Explanation:

To determine what an atom gains or loses to become an ion, we recall atomic structure:

• Electrons are negatively charged particles in an atom's electron cloud. An atom becomes an ion (charged particle) by gaining or losing electrons (changing the balance of protons - positive, and electrons - negative).
• Neutrons (neutral) don’t affect charge, so losing/gaining them doesn’t form an ion.
• Positrons are anti - electrons and not involved in normal ion formation.
• Protons are in the nucleus; an atom doesn’t gain/lose protons (that would change the element). So the correct answer is A.

Answer:

A. electrons