What is the term for an atom that has gained or lost electrons and therefore has a net electrical charge?

• A. Isotope
• B. Ion
• C. Neutral atom
• D. Molecule

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
2. Recognize that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, so their charges balance out to zero.
3. When an atom gains or loses electrons, the balance between positive and negative charges is disrupted, resulting in a net electrical charge.
4. An atom that has gained electrons becomes negatively charged, while an atom that has lost electrons becomes positively charged.
5. The term used to describe such an atom with a net electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons is called an \textbf{ion}.