Atoms are made up of neutrons, protons, and electrons. Neutrons and protons are called nucleons because they make up the tightly bound nucleus of atoms. Electrons exist in clouds around the nucleus called orbitals. Note: It is possible for atoms to gain protons under certain conditions, like in a particle accelerator.

Adding or removing protons from the nucleus changes the charge of the nucleus and changes that atom’s atomic number. So, adding or removing protons from the nucleus changes what element that atom is! For example, adding a proton to the nucleus of an atom of hydrogen creates an atom of helium.

In an atom negative charge is distributed in the cloud of electrons which surrounds the tiny dense nucleus where the positively charged protons reside. To add a proton to the nucleus of an atom it is necessary to fire it at the atom so it hits the tiny nucleus.

Nonmetals

Explanation: In general, metals will lose electrons to become a positive cation and nonmetals will gain electrons to become a negative anion. When an ionic compound forms, the more electronegative element will gain electrons and the less electronegative element will lose electrons.

Some atoms have nearly eight electrons in their valence shell and can gain additional valence electrons until they have an octet. When these atoms gain electrons, they acquire a negative charge because they now possess more electrons than protons. Negatively charged ions are called anions.

Subtract the charge from the atomic number if the ion is positive. If the charge is positive, the ion has lost electrons. To determine how many electrons are left, subtract the amount of charge from the atomic number. In this case, there are more protons than electrons.

All Group 1 atoms can lose one electron to form positively charged ions. For example, potassium atoms do this to form ions with the same electron configuration as the noble gas argon. Group 2 atoms lose two electrons to form positively charged ions.

Regarding your last question “Can you have too many electrons in an atom?” The answer is no. As you add electrons to an atom, a point will be reached where that atom will not be able to accept more electrons (as such a process is energetically unfavorable).

That means an atom with a neutral charge is one where the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number. Ions are atoms with extra electrons or missing electrons. When you are missing an electron or two, you have a positive charge. When you have an extra electron or two, you have a negative charge.

alkali metals