Science Application: An atom consists of charged particles called electrons and protons. Each proton has a charge of +1 and each electron has a charge of –1. Remember number of electrons is equal to number of protons, while answering these questions:
(a) What is the charge on an atom?
(b) What will be the charge on an atom if it loses an electron?
(c) What will be the charge on an atom if it gains an electron?
(a) The total charge on an atom = -1 + 1 = 0
(b) If an atom loses an electron, then the charge on the atom is +1$.
(c) If an atom gains an electron then the charge on an atom is -1.