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Every proton in an atom's nucleus gives it a positive charge equal to the negative charge from the electrons orbiting the nucleus. The charge of the entire atom is neutral if there are an equal number of protons and electrons. If there are an unequal number of protons and electrons, the net charge of the atom, which is now an ion, is plus or minus e for each extra or missing electron. For example if an atom has 6 protons and 4 electrons, it has a charge of plus 2e.

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10y ago

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