Difference between atoms and ions

Atoms	Ions
An atom is electrically neutral i.e., number of electrons in its shells is equal to number of protons in its nucleus.	An ion is electrically charged formed either by accepting an electron or donating an electron by an atom or an element.
Electronic configuration of atom in their outermost shell is from 1 to 7 electron (except noble gas)	All ions have electronic configuration of either only two electrons or eight electrons in their outermost shell.
An atom may or may not be able to exist independently.	An ion cannot exist independently. It can exist only if another oppositely charged ion is present.
Properties of atom are independent of the properties of its ions. e.g.: Copper atom is reddish in color whereas copper ion is blue in color.	Properties of ions are different from atoms. e.g.: Chlorine atom is highly poisonous whereas chloride ion in common salt is fairly stable and non‐poisonous.