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Most atoms are electrically balanced because they have the same number of protons, which have a charge of +1, and electrons, which have a charge of -1. However electrons can be lost or gained. When they are, the atom has a different number of protons to electrons so it becomes charged.

Example.

An uncharged atom of oxygen has 8 protons and 8 electrons. Sometimes it gains two electrons. This means that it has 8 protons but 10 electrons. +8 -10 = -2. therefore the charged atom of oxygen has a charge of -2.

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