Question

Write down the difference between a potassium atom and a potassium ion?

Answer 1

The potassium ion is charged, the potassium atom isn't.

Explanation:

A potassium atom, `K` is in its normal elemental state with 1 valence electron in it's most outer shell. It also has an equal amount of electrons and protons- 19 of each.

However the potassium ion has lost it's valence electron and has therefore formed a positive action, `K^+`. It instead has 19 protons and 18 electrons, yielding a net positive charge.