(a) The charge on an atom is neutral, meaning that the total number of positive charges from protons is equal to the total number of negative charges from electrons. Hence, the net charge on an atom is zero.
(B) If an atom loses an electron, there will be more protons than electrons in the atom. The atom acquires a general positive charge as a result. For instance, if a sodium atom (Na), which is normally neutral, loses an electron, it changes into the positively charged ion (Na+).
(c) If an atom obtains one electron, there will be more electrons than protons in the atom. This results in an overall negative charge on the atom. For example, if a neutral atom of chlorine (Cl) gets an electron, it forms a negatively charged ion (Cl-) (Cl-).