Why can only electrons be lost or gained?

Electrons can be lost or gained because they are the subatomic particles that reside in the outer shells of an atom and are involved in chemical bonding. Their relatively low mass and energy levels allow them to be easily transferred between atoms during chemical reactions, leading to the formation of ions. In contrast, protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus and are held together by strong nuclear forces, making them far less mobile and unable to participate in chemical bonding processes in the same way.