What's the difference between an atom and an ion?

Atoms and ions are both made up of proton's and neutrons in the nucleus with electrons orbiting around. The difference is atom's have equal number of proton's and electrons while ions have more or less electrons than proton's (for a given element).

OB
Answered by Oliver B. Chemistry tutor

9866 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Ethane is an organic compound. Please (a) write down the molecular formula of ethanoic acid and (b) verify the type of organic compound ethanoic acid belongs.


Explain why chloride and bromide are in the same group in the period table. Also describe the electronic structures of both.


Hydrogen chloride (HCl) has a melting point of -114.2 °C. Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a melting point of 801 °C. Explain in terms of structure and bonding why these substances have such different melting points?


How can I work out which gas is released when ethanoic acid is reacted with sodium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning