An electrically charged atom is called..………..

Options

A. a proton
B. an ion
C. an electron
D. a cyclotron

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term used to describe an electrically charged atom.

2. **Defining Key Terms**:
- An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.

3. **Identifying Charge Imbalance**:
- An atom is electrically neutral when it has an equal number of protons and electrons.
- When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes charged.

4. **Types of Ions**:
- If an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an **anion**.
- If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a **cation**.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, an electrically charged atom is referred to as an **ion**. This term encompasses both cations and anions.

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