To understand how the oxygen ion becomes a neutral oxygen atom, let's break down the information:

• The ion contains 8 protons (which is characteristic of oxygen).
• It has a charge of 2-.

What does the 2- charge mean?

• The 2- charge indicates the ion has 2 more electrons than protons.
• Since the ion has 8 protons, it must have 8 + 2 = 10 electrons.

How to become a neutral oxygen atom?

• A neutral oxygen atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons.
• Since there are 8 protons, a neutral oxygen atom has 8 electrons.

What must happen?

• The ion must lose 2 electrons to go from 10 electrons to 8 electrons.
• Losing 2 negatively charged electrons will remove the 2- charge, making the atom neutral.

Summary:

For the oxygen ion (with 8 protons and a 2- charge) to become a neutral oxygen atom, it must lose 2 electrons.