Question

Explain why ions have a charge on them.

Answer 1

A charged atom or molecule is known as an ion. It is charged because the number of electrons in the atom or molecule does not equal the number of protons. Depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is greater or less than the number of protons in the atom, an atom can acquire a positive or negative charge.

Answer 2

An ion is a charged atom or molecule. It is charged because the number of electrons do not equal the number of protons in the atom or molecule. An atom can acquire a positive charge or a negative charge depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is greater or less then the number of protons in the atom.