How can a charged atom (an ion) attract a neutral atom? 1. the charged atom can produce secondary electrons to interact with the neutral atom and make it positively charged or negatively charged. 2. the charged atom can emit x-rays to induce ionization of the neutral atom. 3. the charged atom can hit the neutral atom and make it positively charged or negatively charged. 4. an ion polarizes a nearby neutral atom, so that the part of the atom nearer to the ion valdivia (bv5549) – 11 – bradshaw – (110) 9 acquires a charge opposite to the charge of the ion, and the part of the atom farther from the ion acquires a charge of the same sign as the ion?