Chemistry
Difference between Atoms and Ions
the major difference Between Atoms and Ions is that Atoms contain protons, electrons, and neutrons with some other sub atomic particles. they are neutral particles while ions contain a single atom, some of the ions also polyatomic ions. ions are either negatively or positively charged particles.
| Atoms | Ions |
| It is the smallest particle of an element. | It is the smallest unit of an ionic compound. |
| It can or cannot exist independently and can take part in a chemical reaction. | It cannot exist independently and is surrounded by oppositely charged ions. |
| It is electrically neutral. | It has a net charge (either negative or positive) on it. |
