What state is the atom said to be in when it loses electrons or gains electrons?

The atom is said to be in an ionized state when it loses or gains electrons. Ionization refers to the process of an atom becoming an ion, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the number of protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles) within the atom.

When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is referred to as a cation. Conversely, when it gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is known as an anion. Thus, the term "ionized" specifically denotes that the atom has undergone a change in its electron count, resulting in a net electric charge. This concept is fundamental in understanding chemical reactions, as ionized atoms often have different properties compared to their neutral counterparts and can engage in bonding and interactions more readily.

The other options refer to different concepts in chemistry. "Neutral" describes atoms with equal numbers of protons and electrons, "ionic" pertains to the nature of compounds formed from the attraction between cations and anions, and "ionic bond" specifically refers to the electrostatic force that holds these ions together. None of these accurately describe the state of an atom in terms of its electron loss or gain.