# Explain why atoms are electrically neutral, and explain what happens to the overall charge of an atom when it loses an electron.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.2.1 Particles · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. An atom contains protons (which are positively charged) and electrons (which are negatively charged)
2. The number of protons equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom
3. The positive and negative charges balance/cancel, giving an overall charge of zero
4. When an atom loses an electron it becomes a (positive) ion
5. There are now more protons than electrons, so the overall charge is positive

## Key terms

- [electrically neutral](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electrically-neutral)
- [electron](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electron)
- [overall charge](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/overall-charge)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-atoms-are-electrically-neutral-99ea7a08) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.