Here's why:
* Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
* Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.
* Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus.
Since atoms are naturally electrically neutral, the positive charges from the protons must be balanced by an equal number of negative charges from the electrons.
However, atoms can gain or lose electrons, becoming ions.
* Cations are positively charged ions formed when an atom loses electrons.
* Anions are negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains electrons.
Therefore, the number of electrons in an ion is not equal to the number of protons.
