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Diagram showing field lines and equipotentials around an electron, a negatively charged particle. In an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons (which are positively charged), resulting in a net zero overall charge. Charge is the fundamental property of forms of matter that exhibit electrostatic attraction or repulsion in the presence of other matter.
Best Answer: If an atom gains or loses electrons, it is no longer neutral, so it becomes charged. If it GAINS an electron, it gains an extra -1 charge. If it LOSES an electron, it now has a +1 charge. When an atom loses or gains electrons, it is now called an ion. If it loses an electron, it's called a cation, if it gains an electron, its called an anion.