Atom, Ion, Particle Basics for Beginners

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wish for "simple + beginner" explanation for atom, ion and particles and their relationship. thank you.
 
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In simplest of terms, an atom is the nucleus (protons+neutrons) surrounded by a bunch of electrons (with number protons = number of electrons), so that the atom as a whole is electrically neutral.

An ion is an atom with one or more electrons missing/in excess. Usually, it is the electrons which are the reason for the charge because a lot of energy has to spent in removing protons from the nucleus, while the energy in removing electrons (this process is known as Ionisation, or Ionization if you prefer) is comparatively much less.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionization

Particle is a generic term referring to constituents of the sub-atomic world. For more details, take a look at this site...
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/

EDIT: Changed neutrons to electrons
 
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neutrino said:
Particle is a generic term referring to constituents of the sub-atomic world. For more details, take a look at this site...
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/

really nice and great website ! thanks a lot
 
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