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A normal atom has a neutral charge with an equal number of protons and electrons. For
example, a neutral atom of sodium has eleven protons and eleven electrons. However, since
atoms are more stable with a full valence shell, an atom can gain or lose electrons
to become stable. If a sodium atom loses 1 electron, it will have a full valence shell
but it will no longer be neutral. The atom will now have 11 protons and 10 electrons
for a net charge of +1. The neutral atom becomes charged when there are an unequal number of
protons and electrons.
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