A neutral atom becomes a positive I ion when it A. Gains an electron B. Gains a proton C. Loses a proton D. Loses an electron

## Step 1Atoms are neutral because they have an equal number of protons and electrons. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. ## Step 2When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. If an atom gains an electron, it will have more electrons than protons, which makes it a negatively charged ion.## Step 3On the other hand, if an atom loses an electron, it will have fewer electrons than protons, which makes it a positively charged ion.## Step 4Gaining or losing protons would change the atom's elemental identity, not just its charge. Therefore, gaining a proton or losing a proton is not the correct answer.