Final answer:
A neutral atom becomes negatively charged by receiving an electron from another atom, resulting in the atom having more electrons than protons and becoming an anion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A neutral atom can become negatively charged by receiving an electron from another atom. This occurs because an atom typically has an equal number of protons and electrons, making it electrically neutral. When a neutral atom gains an electron, the atom has more electrons than protons; as a result, the overall charge becomes negative, and the atom is then referred to as an anion. This process of gaining electrons can happen during chemical reactions and is driven by the atom's desire to have a full valence shell for stability.
When considering options (A) transferring an electron to another atom, (B) transferring a neutron to another atom, (C) receiving a neutron from another atom, and (D) receiving an electron from another atom, the correct answer is (D) because gaining an electron increases the negative charge on the atom. Options (A) and (B) would lead to a neutral atom becoming a cation, which is a positively charged ion, while option (C) does not affect the charge of the atom since neutrons are neutral.