Which of the following is true in regard to a charged atom?

AThe number of protons and the number of electrons within the same atom are unequal.
BWhen an atom gains an electron, it becomes a cation, which is positively charged.
CWhen an atom loses an electron, it becomes an anion, which is negatively charged.
DThe magnitude of the negative charge is equal to the magnitude of the positive charge.

This is true:

A. The number of protons and the number of electrons within the same atom are unequal.

When it is charged either the protons are more than the electrons or the electrons are more than the protons.

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Dejanras Dejanras · Answer 2 · 2018-09-27T06:48:32-04:00

Answer is: A. The number of protons and the number of electrons within the same atom are unequal.

For example, neutral sodium atom has atomic number 11 (11 protons and 11 electrons). When sodium lose one electron, it become sodium cation Na⁺ (positive charge), with 11 protons and 10 electrons.

Chlorine atom has atomic number 17 (17 protons and 17 electrons). When it gains one electron, it becomes chlorine anion Cl⁻ (negative charge), with 17 protons (positive electric charge of +1e elementary charge) and 18 electrons (negative one elementary charge).