Question

An atom consists of charged particles called electrons and protons. Each proton has a charge of +1 and each electron has a charge of –1. Remember number of electrons is equal to number of protons, while answering these questions:

What will be the charge on an atom if it loses an electron?

Answer 1

If an atom loses an electron, it will have (a – 1) electrons and a protons.

∴ Charge in one electron = (–1)

∵ Charge in (a-1) electrons = (a – 1) × (–1) = – (a – 1) = (1 – a)

∴ Charge in one proton = (+1)

∵ Charge in a protons = (+1) × a = (+a)

Hence, total charge on the atom = Charge of electrons + Charge of protons

= 1 – a + a

= + 1