Eon vs. Ion — What's the Difference?

The largest division of geologic time, comprising two or more eras.

An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

Used to express a very long, unspecified period of time.

Any charged species, cation or anion, involved in chemical reactions.

A unit of time equal to a billion years, used in cosmology.

A particle that is electrically charged and found in the environment.

A long duration that seems endless.

A charged particle in an electrolyte or plasma.

An indefinitely long period of time; an age.

A fundamental component in the study of atomic and molecular structures.

The longest division of geologic time, containing two or more eras.

An ion () is a particle, atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. The charge of the electron is considered negative by convention.

(US) Eternity.

An atom or a group of atoms that has acquired a net electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons.

A period of 1,000,000,000 years.

An atom or group of atoms bearing an electrical charge, such as the sodium and chlorine atoms in a salt solution.

(geology) The longest geochronologic unit, being a period of hundreds of millions of years; subdivided into eras.

An atom or goup of atoms (radical) carrying an electrical charge. It is contrasted with neutral atoms or molecules, and free radicals. Certain compounds, such as sodium chloride, are composed of complementary ions in the solid (crystalline) as well as in solution. Others, notably acids such as hydrogen chloride, may occur as neutral molecules in the pure liquid or gas forms, and ionize almost completely in dilute aqueous solutions. In solutions (as in water) ions are frequently bound non-covalently with the molecules of solvent, and in that case are said to be solvated. According to the electrolytic dissociation theory, the molecules of electrolytes are divided into ions by water and other solvents. An ion consists of one or more atoms and carries one unit charges of electricity, 3.4 x 10-10 electrostatic units, or a multiple of this. Those which are positively electrified (hydrogen and the metals) are called cations; negative ions (hydroxyl and acidic atoms or groups) are called anions.

A long period of time.

One of the small electrified particles into which the molecules of a gas are broken up under the action of the electric current, of ultraviolet and certain other rays, and of high temperatures. To the properties and behavior of ions the phenomena of the electric discharge through rarefied gases and many other important effects are ascribed. At low pressures the negative ions appear to be electrons; the positive ions, atoms minus an electron. At ordinary pressures each ion seems to include also a number of attached molecules. Ions may be formed in a gas in various ways.

A spirit being emanating from the Godhead.

A particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons

An immeasurable or infinite space of time; eternity; a long space of time; an age.

One of the embodiments of the divine attributes of the Eternal Being.

The longest division of geological time

An immeasurably long period of time

(Gnosticism) a divine power or nature emanating from the Supreme Being and playing various roles in the operation of the universe

An eon is used to mark extensive periods in the geological timeline of Earth and the broader universe, helping scientists categorize and study major natural events over vast timescales.

Ions play crucial roles in the human body, including transmitting nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance.

Eons are generally not measured precisely but are rather used to denote extensive, often somewhat indeterminate periods that span hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Ions are used in various technologies, such as in batteries, electrolysis processes, and ion propulsion systems for spacecraft.

While the concept of an eon does not directly impact daily life, it provides a perspective on the extensive timeline of natural history, enhancing our understanding of Earth's past and future developments.

Yes, the length of an eon can vary depending on the geological and biological events that define its beginning and end.

Ionization is the process by which atoms gain or lose electrons to form ions, crucial for chemical reactions and in generating electricity in various applications.

Disciplines such as geology, paleontology, and cosmology study eons to understand the long-term processes and changes of the Earth and the universe.

Ions contribute to electrical conductivity by moving and carrying charge in a solution or plasma, essential in processes like electrical transmission and electrolysis.

Ions interact with magnetic fields due to their charge, which can be used to control or direct their path in applications like magnetic confinement in fusion reactors.

Negative ions are atoms or molecules that have gained electrons; they are often marketed for their supposed benefits in improving air quality and reducing stress, though scientific evidence varies.

Ionization energy can indicate how easily an atom becomes an ion; higher ionization energy generally means greater stability in the atomic state.

Understanding eons helps environmental scientists gauge ecological and climate changes over geological times, aiding in predictions and conservation strategies.

Yes, technologies such as ion engines, ion traps, and mass spectrometers are specifically designed to manipulate ions for various purposes.

Studying eons teaches us about the resilience and adaptability of life, the impact of gradual geological changes, and the importance of viewing environmental changes in a long-term context.