No, an atom is not inherently negative.
The Neutrality of Atoms
An atom is considered electrically neutral when it has an equal number of positively charged protons in its nucleus and negatively charged electrons orbiting the nucleus. The positive charges of the protons cancel out the negative charges of the electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero.
Ions: When Atoms Gain or Lose Electrons
However, an atom can become an ion, which does carry an electrical charge. This happens when an atom gains or loses electrons:
- Negative Ion (Anion): If an atom gains one or more electrons, it will have more electrons than protons, resulting in a net negative charge. This negatively charged ion is called an anion.
- Positive Ion (Cation): If an atom loses one or more electrons, it will have fewer electrons than protons, resulting in a net positive charge. This positively charged ion is called a cation.
Summary
In summary, while an atom in its normal state is electrically neutral, it can become a negatively charged ion (anion) by gaining electrons.
