Which of the following best explains why an anion has a negative charge?

• A. It has gained one or more electrons, resulting in more electrons than protons.
• B. It has lost one or more neutrons, resulting in a negative charge.
• C. It has gained one or more protons, resulting in a negative charge.
• D. It has lost one or more electrons, resulting in more protons than electrons.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an atom is electrically neutral when it has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged).
2. Understand that an ion forms when an atom gains or loses electrons, changing the balance between positive and negative charges.
3. Recognize that an anion is a negatively charged ion, which means it must have more electrons than protons.
4. Identify that gaining one or more electrons increases the number of negatively charged particles, resulting in a net negative charge.
5. Conclude that the correct explanation for an anion's negative charge is that it has gained electrons, not protons or neutrons, and not lost electrons.