Formation of a Cation and Anion from an Electrically Neutral Atom

This model shows changes that can occur in the atom structure. Atoms are composed of neutrons (neutrally charged particles), protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged). An atom at stable state has an equal number of protons and electrons. However, some electrons are able to escape from their orbits in an atom. Atoms become positively charged. They can become negatively charged when an additional electron is added to the orbit.