Question

Difference between atoms, molecules, and ions.

Answer 1

Difference between atoms, molecules, and ions:

Atoms	Molecules	Ions
(i) An atom is the smallest particle of an element that preserves the element's chemical characteristics.	(i) Molecules are made up of atoms of the same or various kinds that are arranged in a predetermined mass ratio.	(i) An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons to become charged.
(ii) Atoms have a positively charged nucleus that bonds one or more electrons in motion around them, making them electrically neutral.	(ii) A molecule has no charge by definition. A molecule's charge is its formal charge. As a result, a molecule's formal charge is zero.	(ii) A cation is an atom or molecule having a net positive charge due to missing electrons. An anion is an atom or molecule having a net negative charge due to additional electrons.
(iii) Example - Sodium atom (Na)	(iii) Example - Water (H2O)	(iii) Example - When a sodium atom loses one electron, a sodium ion (Na+) is created. A cation is a sodium ion. When a chlorine atom acquires one electron, a chloride ion (Cl-) is created. An anion is a chloride ion.