What is the Difference Between Atom and Ion?

Atoms and ions are both fundamental components of matter, but they have distinct differences:

• Atoms:
• Atoms are neutral particles, containing the same number of protons as electrons, making them electrically neutral.
• They are the smallest unit of an element and can take part in chemical reactions.
• Atoms can form molecules when they combine with each other.
• In a solution, atoms may or may not have independent existence.
• Ions:
• Ions are charged particles, either positively (cations) or negatively (anions) charged.
• They are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, and the resulting charge makes them more stable.
• Ions can form electrovalent bonds with other ions.
• In a solution, ions are independent particles.

In summary, atoms are neutral particles with equal numbers of protons and electrons, while ions are charged particles resulting from the gain or loss of electrons. Atoms can form molecules, while ions form electrovalent bonds. Ions have independent existence in a solution, whereas atoms may or may not have independent existence in a solution.

Comparative Table: Atom vs Ion

Here is a table comparing the differences between atoms and ions:

An atom is the smallest unit of an element and is neutral, containing equal numbers of protons and electrons. In contrast, an ion is a charged particle, either positively or negatively, formed when an atom gains or loses electrons. Ions can form electrovalent bonds and exhibit independent existence in a solution, whereas atoms may or may not have independent existence in a solution.