What kind of charge will an atom have if it gains or loses one or more electrons?

Answer 1

If an atom loses an electron, it will be positively charged. An example may make this clearer. A neutral carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons. If you take away an electron, you will have 6 protons and 5 electrons, for a total charge of +6 -5 = +1.

Answer 2

First and foremost, an atom does not lose electrons. An atom of a different element that has a stronger attractive force pulls the electron off the weaker atom. (see electronegativity.

An electron has a charge of -1, and a proton has a charge of +1. If an atom lost 1 electron it would become a +1 charged ion. For example, a sodium atom has 11 protons, each with a +1 charge and 11 electrons, and each with a -1 charge. Adding the charges, +11 + - 11 = 0. If it lost 1 electron, it would have 11 protons, each with a +1 charge and 10 electrons, and each with a -1 charge. Adding the charges, +11 + - 10 = +1. The same is true if an atom of Magnesium loses 2 electrons. 12 protons and 10 electrons = +2 charged ion. Aluminum loses 3 electrons, so it has a +3 charged ion.

Answer 3

An atom will have a positive charge if it loses electrons because it has more protons than electrons. Conversely, it will have a negative charge if it gains electrons because it has more electrons than protons.

Answer 4

If gains electrons it will have a - charge, loses elctrons: + charge

Answer 5

An atom gains one or more electrons to become negatively charged. This reaction is called oxidation.