How does a non-metallic element become electrically charged?

A non-metallic element becomes electrically charged when it gains an electron. This process occurs because non-metals generally have higher electronegativities, meaning they have a strong tendency to attract electrons. When a non-metal gains an electron, it acquires a negative charge, resulting in an anion. This is a common behavior seen in non-metals like chlorine or oxygen, which readily accept electrons from other atoms during chemical reactions.

The option involving losing an electron would lead to a positive charge, often associated with metals rather than non-metals. Gaining a proton is not a feasible process for charge alteration at the atomic level, as protons reside in the nucleus and do not transfer easily between atoms. Losing a neutron does not affect the overall charge of an atom since neutrons are neutral; it only affects the atomic mass and can lead to isotopes but not to a charged particle. Thus, the process by which a non-metal becomes charged is primarily through the acquisition of electrons.