When an atom gains an electron, what is its net charge?

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Multiple Choice

When an atom gains an electron, what is its net charge?

Explanation:
When an atom gains an electron, its net charge becomes negative. Protons carry a +1 charge and electrons carry a −1 charge. In a neutral atom these numbers balance. Adding an electron increases the negative charge by one, so there are more electrons than protons by one (or by however many electrons were gained). The result is a negatively charged species, an ion known as an anion. If multiple electrons are gained, the net negative charge is larger accordingly.

When an atom gains an electron, its net charge becomes negative. Protons carry a +1 charge and electrons carry a −1 charge. In a neutral atom these numbers balance. Adding an electron increases the negative charge by one, so there are more electrons than protons by one (or by however many electrons were gained). The result is a negatively charged species, an ion known as an anion. If multiple electrons are gained, the net negative charge is larger accordingly.

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