When a neutral potassium atom loses 1 electron, its charge becomes +1.

Here's why:

* Neutral Atom: A neutral atom has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged).

* Losing an Electron: When an atom loses an electron, it loses a negative charge.

* Net Charge: Since the number of protons remains the same but the number of electrons decreases, the atom now has a net positive charge. In the case of potassium losing one electron, it gains a +1 charge.