What happens if an atom gains an electron?

Prepare for the ECPI Anatomy and Physiology AandP Exam 1. Utilize multiple choice questions and flashcards with detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and be exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

What happens if an atom gains an electron?

Explanation:
Gaining an electron adds negative charge to the atom without changing the number of protons in the nucleus. Since protons are positive, this extra electron flips the net charge to negative, so the atom becomes negatively charged (an anion). Magnetization isn’t the automatic result of adding an electron, and neutrality would only occur if the atom somehow balanced its charges; for a neutral atom, adding an electron makes it negatively charged, not positively.

Gaining an electron adds negative charge to the atom without changing the number of protons in the nucleus. Since protons are positive, this extra electron flips the net charge to negative, so the atom becomes negatively charged (an anion). Magnetization isn’t the automatic result of adding an electron, and neutrality would only occur if the atom somehow balanced its charges; for a neutral atom, adding an electron makes it negatively charged, not positively.

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