A charged atom is composed of anions, ions, and electrons. An anion is a negatively charged ION, while an ION is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. Protons are positively charged particles that also make up the nucleus of an atom.