How does a metallic element become electrically charged?

A metallic element becomes electrically charged primarily through the process of gaining or losing electrons. When a metallic element gives up an electron, it loses a negatively charged particle, resulting in an overall positive charge. This phenomenon occurs because electrons are responsible for the charge in an atom, and the loss of these negatively charged particles leads to an imbalance between protons (positively charged) and electrons.

When an atom has more protons than electrons, it becomes positively charged and is referred to as a cation. This is a foundational concept in both chemistry and physics, particularly when discussing how atoms interact in chemical reactions and electrical conduction.

The other options involve changes to protons and neutrons, which do not influence the charge of an atom in the same manner. Protons are located in the nucleus and cannot be easily gained or lost during standard chemical interactions, and neutrons are neutral particles that do not affect the electrical charge at all. Thus, the process of giving up an electron is the key mechanism by which metallic elements achieve a charged state.