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An Atom is the smallest particle of an element, with all the properties of this element, that can combine with other atoms to form a molecule.

An Ion is an atom or group of atoms having an electric charge as a result of losing or gaining one or more electrons.

example, oxygen is typically -2, (two extra electrons) while hydrogen is +1 (no electrons). Thus oxygen will combine with two hydrogens to form water.
An atom is electrically neutral, and an ion has an electric charge (either positive or negative).

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9y ago
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8y ago

The main difference between an atom of an element and an ion of an element is the number of electrons.

Ions: The total number of electrons are not equal to the to the total number of protons.

Atoms: The total number of electrons are equal to the total number of protons.

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12y ago

In an atom the charges are balanced, there is as much positive charge as negative charge.

In an ion the charges are not balanced, this means it is much more reactive than an atom of the same element. There are also molecular ions.

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12y ago

an atom is generally neutral.

an ion is charged, which means that it either gained an electron or lost one.

think about it, losing or gaining an electron can definitely disrupt the total charge of an atom.

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Q: What is the difference between an ion and an atom?
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