In an rc circuit, what is the name of the quantity represented by the symbol τ?

For a given resistance value or for a given capacitance value, the time rate at which a capacitor is charged or discharged is affected.
 Therefore, the product of the value of the resistance for the value of the capacitance is what is called the "time constant"
 It is represented with the Greek letter "tau" τ
 τ=R*C

It won't lose or gain electrons if it's a covalent bond it shares the electrons with another atom or atoms. if it is an ionic bond it will lose the 3 electrons on the outer shell and become a positively charged ion.  credit goes to @sunshinebaby of answers.yahoo.com.