Final answer:
The charge of an atom with more electrons than protons is negative, making it an anion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the number of electrons exceeds the number of protons in an atom, the overall charge of the atom is negative. An atom with more electrons than protons has gained electrons and is known as an anion. Since electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged, surplus electrons result in a negative charge. The atomic charge can be calculated using the formula: Atomic charge = number of protons - number of electrons. For example, if a neutral sodium atom which normally has 11 protons and 11 electrons, gains an additional electron, it will have a 1- charge (11 - 12 = -1). Thus, the correct answer to the question is: 3) negative.