Question

An atom has 9 electrons and 9 protons at the start. If it loses 2 electrons, the net charge on the atom will be . If the atom instead gains 4 electrons, the net charge will be .

Answer 1

Hey there !

Electric Charge = Number of Protons - Number of Electrons

At the Start: 9 electrons and 9 protons are present

Charge = 9 - 9 = 0 ( Neutral )

After losing 2 electrons. number of electrons = 9 - 2 = 7 electrons

=> Electric charge = 9 - 7 = +2

After gaining 4 electrons, number of electrons = 9 + 4 = 13

=> Electric Charge = 9 - 13 = -4

Hence the charge while losing 2 electrons is +2 and while losing four electrons is -4.

Hope my answer helped !