Which of the following describes how an atom becomes negatively charged?
a. electrons are gained when free floating electrons attach to the atom
b. protons are gained when free floating electrons attach to the atom
c. electrons are transferred to the atom from other atoms through direct contact
d. protons are transferred from other atoms through direct contact

C. electrons are transferred to the atom from other atoms through direct contact

Explanation:

When an atom is negatively charged then it means that the number of electrons in the atom is in excess in number as compare it to the number of protons

This is possible when an atom will transfer its electron to other atom. Here the transfer of electrons will produce negative or positive charge because electrons are loosely bounded while protons are strongly bounded inside the nucleus.

So here correct answer is given as

C. electrons are transferred to the atom from other atoms through direct contact

see earlier answer