Final answer:
A negatively charged object has gained electrons, leading to more electrons than protons and resulting in a negative charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
A negatively charged object has gained electrons. In basic physics, we learn about the structure of atoms, which contain a nucleus with neutrons and positively charged protons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Normally, an atom is electrically neutral because it has an equal number of protons and electrons. However, if an atom gains extra electrons, it becomes a negatively charged particle, known as an anion. Conversely, losing electrons results in a positively charged particle called a cation. Therefore, the answer to the question is b. gained electrons.