What would happen to an atom's overall charge if it gained an extra electron?
ChemistryClass 11CBSEAnswered 18 May 2026
Answer
If an atom gained an extra electron, its overall charge would become negative, as it would have more negatively charged electrons than positively charged protons.
Atoms are typically electrically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons and electrons. Gaining an electron introduces an additional negative charge without a corresponding positive charge, resulting in a net negative charge for the atom, forming an anion.
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