Question

30 Points! What is the difference between an atom and an ion

Answer 1

Atoms are neutral, they have a similar number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge)

Ions have either a positive or negative charge by adding or taking away electrons to change the charge.

Answer 2

Atom is a neutral element found in nature without any charge. In other words, it has same number of Protons and electrons, whereas ion is a charged thing, either positive or negative. We can find their charge by:

Charge = Number of Protons - Number of Electrons

Hope this helps!