Question 6

An atom with a negative charge has gained an electron.

When an atom has a negative charge, it indicates that the atom has more electrons than protons, meaning it has gained one or more electrons.

A) Gained an electron

This option is correct because when an atom gains an electron, it increases its negative charge. The additional electron adds to the overall electron count, surpassing the number of protons and resulting in a negatively charged ion.

B) Lost an electron

This option is incorrect. If an atom loses an electron, it would have fewer electrons than protons, resulting in a positive charge rather than a negative charge. Therefore, this option does not reflect the condition of an atom with a negative charge.

C) Gained a proton

This option is also incorrect. Gaining a proton would increase the positive charge of the atom, making it positively charged instead. Thus, this does not apply to an atom that has a negative charge.

D) Lost a proton

This option is not correct. Losing a proton would decrease the positive charge of the atom, but it does not directly contribute to the creation of a negative charge. Instead, it would lead to a decrease in the overall atomic number and mass without affecting the electron count.

Conclusion

The correct answer, that an atom with a negative charge has gained an electron, accurately describes the process of ionization that leads to a negative charge. All other options fail to explain the phenomenon correctly, as they either suggest a loss of charge or an incorrect gain of particles, thus not aligning with the definition of a negatively charged atom.