The charge of an atom is determined by the balance between the number of protons and electrons it contains. Protons, which are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of the atom, determine the atomic number and contribute to the positive charge of the atom. Electrons, on the other hand, are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in various energy levels.
An atom is considered neutral when it has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. However, if an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. A loss of electrons results in a positively charged ion (cation), while a gain of electrons leads to a negatively charged ion (anion).
In summary, the charge of an atom is dictated by its proton-electron balance:
- If protons > electrons, the atom is positively charged.
- If protons < electrons, the atom is negatively charged.
- If protons = electrons, the atom is neutral.