An atom that possesses a number of electrons that is greater or lower than the number of protons, yielding a net electric charge.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> | An atom that possesses a number of electrons that is greater or lower than the number of protons, yielding a net electric charge.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> |