Question

If a neutral atom gains three electrons, what is the electrical charge of the atom?

Answer 1

In a neutral atom, the number of protons = the number of electrons = atomic number.

Charge of an atom is determined by the number of electrons it has lost or gained.

When an atom gains electrons ,it means that now it has excess of electrons than protons. This will give the atom a negative charge as the charge of an electron is negative.

When an atom loses electrons ,it means that now it has less number of electrons than protons. This will give the atom a positive charge.

Here the neutral atom gains 3 electrons ,therefore the charge of the atom is 3 * e

where e is the charge of an electron , that is e = - 1.602 * 10^-19 coulombs

therefore charge of atom = 3 * (- 1.602 * 10^-19 ) coulombs

= - 4.806 * 10^-19 coulombs