Charged particles formed when atoms gain or lose electrons

The charged particles formed when atoms gain or lose electrons are called ions. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Atoms are neutral; they contain the same number of protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles).

2. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it loses some negative charge. This makes the atom a positive ion, or cation, because it now has more protons than electrons.

3. When an atom gains one or more electrons, it gains some negative charge. This makes the atom a negative ion, or anion, because it now has more electrons than protons.

4. The process of gaining or losing electrons is called ionization.

So, in summary, ions are charged particles that are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons.