ELECTRIC CHARGE
3 marks · NormalExplain, with reference to charge, what happens at the atomic level when an atom becomes negatively charged.
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The atom has gained extra electrons, so the number of negative electrons is greater than the number of positive protons, making the atom negatively charged.
Must show: Gain of electrons, Imbalance between electrons and protons, Net negative charge
Also accept: An atom gains negatively charged electrons and this gives it a negative overall charge.
Common mistakes: Claiming that protons are gained to make it negative
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that electrons are gained.
B1 · 1 mark · Explains there are more electrons than protons.
B1 · 1 mark · Links the imbalance to the atom becoming negatively charged.
Worked solution
When an atom becomes negatively charged, it means it has gained extra electrons. Now, the total number of electrons is greater than the number of protons, so the atom has a net negative charge.