text: An electrical charge is an imbalance between an atom's positive and negative units (Protrons and electrons).  A discharge of electrical energy happens when electrons jump from one atom to on that is differently charged to bring the two atoms closer to a balance.  If an atom has more electrons that protons, it is negatively charged.  If it has more protons than electrons, then it is positively charged.  A charge is always changed by changing the number of electrons.  If you change the number of protons, it becomes a nuclear reacation since the change is happening in the nucleus of the atom.