Asap! homework due tomorrow and i need some . explain how the existence of ions relates to the number of electrons present in atoms of an element?

Ions are atoms with a charge other than zero. In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positively charged particles) in the nucleus equals the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus.
Atoms can gain or lose electrons (not protons) resulting in a net charge other than zero. Atoms which lose electrons (usually metals) become positively charges, and atoms which gain electrons (usually nonmetals) become negatively charged.