Question

How can you tell if an electric charge is present?

Answer 1

If an element is written with a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol in the superscript then the element is either an anion or cation ( ion)

Ex : H₂ -----> stable or elemental form

Na⁺------> Cation

Cl⁻------> Anion

Technically an atom have positive charge when it loses its valence electrons and negative charge when it gains  electrons.