Question

What happens to the composition of an atom to cause it to become positively or negatively charged?

Answer 1

Positively charged atom = Cation
Negatively charged atom = Anion

So when an atom becomes positively or negatively charged the composition is only slightly changed.

To become positively charged;
Since electrons are negatively charged, you can only become "positive" by losing them. So the way an atom becomes positive is by losing a negatively charged atom (electron)

To become negatively charged;
Negative ions are created when a neutral atom gains additional electrons. So to become negative it must gain a electron.

Answer 2

basically the atom gain or lose electrons

Answer 3

@triciaal your some what right you gain electrons when the two combine and you don't gain any when there the same