* Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter and are electrically neutral. They have an equal number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
* Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.
In the formation of NaCl, sodium (Na) loses an electron, becoming a positively charged ion (Na+). Chlorine (Cl) gains an electron, becoming a negatively charged ion (Cl-).
The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what holds the molecule together. This is called an ionic bond.
Therefore, while atoms are the building blocks of ions, the particles in an ionic compound like NaCl are specifically called ions because of their charge.
