An atom is electrically neutral. How can it become charged?
A normal atom has a neutral charge with equal numbers of positive and negative particles. That means an atom with a neutral charge is one where the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number. The process of supplying the electric charge (electrons) to an object or losing the electric charge (electrons) from an object is called charging. An uncharged object can be charged in different ways. 1)Charging by friction 2Charging by conduction 3)Charging by induction 1)charging by friction When an object is rubbed over another object, the electrons get transferred from one object to another. This transfer of electrons takes place due to friction between the two objects. The object that transfers electrons loses negative charge (electrons) and the object that accepts electrons gains negative charge (electrons). 2) Chargingby conduction The process of charging the uncharged object by bringing it in contact with another charged object is called charging by conduction. A charged object has unequal number of negative (electrons) and positive charges (protons). Hence, when a charged object is brought in contact with the uncharged conductor, the electrons get transferred from charged object to the conductor. 3)Charging by induction The process of charging the uncharged object by bringing another charged object near to it, but not touching it, is called charging by induction.
