Question

Ionization of a neutral atom is the ______.

Options

• only gain of one or more electrons

• gain or loss of one or more electrons

• only gain of one or more neutrons

• only gain of one or more protons

Answer 1

Ionization of a neutral atom is the gain or loss of one or more electrons.

Explanation:

Although protons cannot be withdrawn or added to an atom, electrons may be easily added or removed, allowing a charge to be produced on an atom by removing or adding electrons. It becomes negatively charged when electrons are added, and positively charged when electrons are removed.