Question

When a neutral atom loses one or more electrons, the total number of electrons _____________while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same. The result is that the atom becomes a c___________—an ion with a net positive charge.

The opposite process can also occur. When a neutral atom gains one or more electrons, the total number of electrons _____________ while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same. The result is that the atom becomes an a_____________—an ion with a net negative charge.

Answer 1

When a neutral atom loses one or more electrons, the total number of electrons decreases while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same. The result is that the atom becomes a cation - an ion with a net positive charge.

The opposite process can also occur. When a neutral atom gains one or more electrons, the total number of electrons increases while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same. The result is that the atom becomes an anion - an ion with a net negative charge.

Answer 2

When a neutral atom loses one or more electrons, the total number of electrons decreases while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same.

The result is that the atom becomes a cation —an ion with a net positive charge.

The opposite process can also occur. When a neutral atom gains one or more electrons, the total number of electrons increases while the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same.

The result is that the atom becomes an anion —an ion with a net negative charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

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