How can a charged atom (an ion) attract a neutral atom? 1. an ion polarizes a nearby neutral atom, so that the part of the atom nearer to the ion 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. 2. the charged atom can produce secondary electrons to interact with the neutral atom and make it positively charged or negatively charged. 3. the charged atom can emit x-rays to induce ionization of the neutral atom. 4. the charged atom can hit the neutral atom and make it positively charged or negatively charged