answersLogoWhite

0

Any atom is predominantly neutral as it should contain the same number of protons (a positively charged sub-atomic particle) and electrons (a negatively charged subatomic particle orbiting the nucleus in shells).

An ion is a charged particle; aka, an atom that has lost/gained electrons. If an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged as there are now more protons in the atom than electrons.

For example, Lithium has 3 electrons, 3 protons and is in group 1. It only needs to lose it's outer electron to become it's closest Noble gas state and have a full outer shell. If it were to lose it's outer electron, then it would become positively charged as it now has 2 electrons and 3 protons; more positive charge than negative.

If an atom were to gain an electron, it would become negatively charged as it now has more electrons than protons.

For example, Fluorine has 9 electrons, 9 protons and is a Halogen (group 7). It only needs to gain one electron to become it's closest Noble gas state and have a full outer shell. So, if it were to gain this one electron, it would become negatively charged as it now has 10 electrons and only 9 protons; more negative charge than positive.

When talking about ions, neutrons take no place in charge changes as they are neutral.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?