we explain that an atom is the smallest unit of ordinary matter or a single particle that is neutral and forms a chemical element. solid, liquid, gas, and plasma are composed of ionized or neutral atoms. on the other hand, an ion is a negatively or positively charged particle.
The main differences between atom and ion are that an atom is electrically neutral or ionized and it consists of the same number of electrons and protons while an ion is an electrically charged particle. an ion consists of an unequal number of electrons and protons. it may contain one or more atoms.
Basic Differences Between Atom And Ion in tabular Form
| Atom | Ion |
| Atoms are electrically neutral which means they have the same number of protons and electrons. | ions are charged particles, positive ions (cations) or negative ions (anions). |
| The combination of atoms results in the formation of molecules. | The combination of ions results in the formation of compounds. |
| These are the smallest units of elements. | they are the Single-particle or collection of particles |
| The Independent existence of atoms is not possible. | ions can exist independently. |
| Atoms form molecule | The Ions form an electrovalent bond. |
| They have the same number of electrons and protons. | they have unequal electrons and protons. |
| atoms are unstable. | Ions are stable. |
| An Atom can take part in a chemical reaction. | An ion cannot take part in a reaction. |
| atoms can form a covalent bond or ionic bond | ions can form only an ionic bond |
Read Also: What is an atom?
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