Question

Sarah is asked to sort out the list of ions and ionic compounds. How can Sarah differentiate between the ions and ionic compounds? 

Answer 1

Ions have charges and ionic compounds are made of one metal and one nonmetal, and they have no charge.

Answer 2

Answer: Ions are charged species and ionic compounds are neutral compounds.

Explanation:

Ions are defined as the charged species which are formed when an atom looses or gains electrons.

If an atom looses electrons, it will form a positive ion known as cation. For Example: $Pb^{2+}$ is formed when lead atom looses 2 electrons.

If an atom gains electrons, it will form a negative ion known as anion. For Example: $Cl^-$ is formed when chlorine atom gains 1 electron.

Ionic compound are the compounds which are formed by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom. These compounds do not carry any charge and are considered as neutral species. For Example: NaCl

Hence, ions are charged species and ionic compounds are neutral compounds.