Answer: When an atom is an ion, it must have a charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ion is formed when a neutral atom looses or gains electrons.
- When an atom looses electrons, it results in the formation of positive ion known as cation. For Example: Sodium looses 1 electron to form
ion. - When an atom gains electrons, it results in the formation of negative ion known as anion. For Example: Chlorine gains 1 electron to form
ion.
Hence, when an atom is an ion, it must have a charge.