Diffrentiate between atoms and ions.

Hello. What is an Atom?
The smallest unit of matter. It is indivisible and consists of neutrons, electrons and protons. Atoms can take part in chemical reactions. Combination of atoms together forms molecule. Always the number of protons and electrons are equal. Independent life may or may not be feasible within a solution. Nucleus of the atom is formed by protons and neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus are the electrons.

What is an Ion?
Atoms where the electrons and protons are not equal are called ions. Ions are charged particles. They can be either positively charged ions or negatively charged ions. If an atom is charged electrically it is considered an ion. If an atom contains maximum number of electrons than protons, then it is called anion. If an atom contains maximum number of protons than electrons, then it is called cation. Independent existence in a solution. When an atom gains or loses electrons, ion is formed. Hope it helps

They are like other investigations? say there was a murder u have to do blood test and finger prints which run through a lab.