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Multiple Choice
What is formed when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons?
A
A neutral atom
B
An anion
C
A cation
D
A molecule
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges), resulting in no overall charge.
When a neutral atom gains one or more electrons, the number of negatively charged electrons becomes greater than the number of positively charged protons.
This imbalance causes the atom to acquire a net negative charge, because electrons carry a negative charge.
An atom with a net negative charge is called an anion, which is a negatively charged ion.
Therefore, when a neutral atom gains electrons, it forms an anion.