- An atom and its ion have an unequal number of protons.
Explanation:
An atom and its ion have an equal number of protons.
Thus, for example, a chlorine atom and chloride ions have an equal number of protons.
When the chlorine atom is converted into a chloride ion, there is no change in the composition of the nucleus.
A chlorine atom has one electron less than a chloride ion.
Chlorine atom gains one electron to form chloride ion.