Answer:
If it loses 2 electrons, the net charge on the atom will be 2+
If the atom instead gains 4 electrons, the net charge will be 4-
Explanation:
It is based on adding and subtracting charges. Protons are +1 and electrons are -1
If the atom has 9 protons and 9 electrons, the net charge is +9 + (-9) = 0. The +9 is the 9 protons and the -9 is from the 9 electrons.
If two electrons are taken away, there would be 9-2 or 7 electrons with 9 protons. The net charge would then be +9 + (-7) = +2. +9 comes from the 9 electrons and -7 is from the 7 electrons.
So, if two electrons are taken away, the net charge is +2.
Similarly, if the atom gains 4 electrons, there will be 9+4 or 12 electrons and 9 protons. The net charge would then be +9 + (-12) = -4. +9 comes from the 9 protons and -12 comes from the 12 electrons.
So, if 4 electrons are added, the net charge is -4.
