Here's why:
* Electrons are negatively charged: They carry a fundamental unit of negative charge.
* Protons are positively charged: They are located in the nucleus and have a positive charge equal in magnitude to the electron's negative charge.
* Neutrons are neutral: They have no charge.
When an atom becomes charged (ionized), it either gains or loses electrons.
* Gaining electrons: This makes the atom negatively charged.
* Losing electrons: This makes the atom positively charged.
The protons in the nucleus are much heavier and tightly bound within the nucleus, making them difficult to move.
