What happens if an atom loses an electron?

What happens if an atom loses an electron?

• A. It becomes negatively charged
• B. It becomes positively charged
• C. It becomes neutral
• D. It becomes larger

Answer: (B)

Removing an electron changes the balance of positive and negative charges in the atom. Electrons are negative and protons are positive, so when you remove one electron from a neutral atom, there are more protons than electrons. That extra positive charge means the atom becomes positively charged, i.e., it forms a cation. It wouldn’t become negatively charged because you’re not adding negative charge. It wouldn’t stay neutral for the same reason. And while removing electrons can affect size, a single loss of an electron typically doesn’t make the atom larger; the net effect is a positive charge with fewer electrons.

Removing an electron changes the balance of positive and negative charges in the atom. Electrons are negative and protons are positive, so when you remove one electron from a neutral atom, there are more protons than electrons. That extra positive charge means the atom becomes positively charged, i.e., it forms a cation. It wouldn’t become negatively charged because you’re not adding negative charge. It wouldn’t stay neutral for the same reason. And while removing electrons can affect size, a single loss of an electron typically doesn’t make the atom larger; the net effect is a positive charge with fewer electrons.