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What occurs to an atom that has a positive charge?

  • A. Gained an electron.
  • B. Lost an electron.
  • C. Gained a proton.
  • D. Lost a proton.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When an atom has a positive charge, it indicates that it has lost an electron. Electrons carry a negative charge, so the absence of an electron leads to a net positive charge for the atom. Gaining a proton or losing a proton would modify the atom's identity by changing its atomic number, but it would not directly result in a positive charge. Therefore, the correct response is that the atom lost an electron to acquire a positive charge.