Ion vs. Isotope — What's the Difference?

A non-neutral atom resulting from electron variations.

An elemental variation based on nuclear composition.

A charged particle due to electron loss or gain.

A version of an atom with the same protons but different neutrons.

An atom or molecule with an electric charge.

An atomic form differing in its neutron count.

An electrically imbalanced atom or molecule.

An atom variant differing in neutron number.

A species with a net electric charge.

A form of an element with a unique atomic mass.

An ion () is a particle, atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. The charge of the electron is considered negative by convention.

Isotopes are two or more types of atoms that have the same atomic number (number of protons in their nuclei) and position in the periodic table (and hence belong to the same chemical element), and that differ in nucleon numbers (mass numbers) due to different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. While all isotopes of a given element have almost the same chemical properties, they have different atomic masses and physical properties.The term isotope is formed from the Greek roots isos (ἴσος "equal") and topos (τόπος "place"), meaning "the same place"; thus, the meaning behind the name is that different isotopes of a single element occupy the same position on the periodic table.

An atom or a group of atoms that has acquired a net electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons.

One of two or more atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

An atom or group of atoms bearing an electrical charge, such as the sodium and chlorine atoms in a salt solution.

(nuclear physics) Any of two or more forms of an element where the atoms have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons within their nuclei. Thus, isotopes have the same atomic number but a different mass number.

An atom or goup of atoms (radical) carrying an electrical charge. It is contrasted with neutral atoms or molecules, and free radicals. Certain compounds, such as sodium chloride, are composed of complementary ions in the solid (crystalline) as well as in solution. Others, notably acids such as hydrogen chloride, may occur as neutral molecules in the pure liquid or gas forms, and ionize almost completely in dilute aqueous solutions. In solutions (as in water) ions are frequently bound non-covalently with the molecules of solvent, and in that case are said to be solvated. According to the electrolytic dissociation theory, the molecules of electrolytes are divided into ions by water and other solvents. An ion consists of one or more atoms and carries one unit charges of electricity, 3.4 x 10-10 electrostatic units, or a multiple of this. Those which are positively electrified (hydrogen and the metals) are called cations; negative ions (hydroxyl and acidic atoms or groups) are called anions.

To define or demonstrate an isotopy of (one map with another).

One of the small electrified particles into which the molecules of a gas are broken up under the action of the electric current, of ultraviolet and certain other rays, and of high temperatures. To the properties and behavior of ions the phenomena of the electric discharge through rarefied gases and many other important effects are ascribed. At low pressures the negative ions appear to be electrons; the positive ions, atoms minus an electron. At ordinary pressures each ion seems to include also a number of attached molecules. Ions may be formed in a gas in various ways.

One of two or more atoms with the same atomic number but with different numbers of neutrons

A particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons

Isotopes have similar chemical behaviors but can have different physical properties.

No, by definition, an ion has a charge, either positive or negative.

Ions form to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling noble gases.

Ions play roles in things like electricity, biology, and even taste (e.g., salt dissociating into ions).

The charge is determined by the number of electrons lost (positive) or gained (negative).

An isotope is a form of an atom with a different number of neutrons but the same number of protons.

An ion is a charged atom or molecule due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Isotopes are used in various fields, from radiocarbon dating to medical imaging and treatment.

Some isotopes have unstable nuclei that decay, emitting radiation.

Yes, an atom can be an isotope of its element and can also be ionized.

Through its charge, denoted as a superscript (e.g., Ca²⁺).

No, isotopes have the same atomic number but different atomic masses.

Yes, though they often bond with oppositely charged ions to form neutral compounds.

No, some isotopes are synthetic or have short half-lives and decay quickly.

Atomic weight is an average of the masses of an element's isotopes, weighted by their abundance.