What’s the difference between a bond and a stock?

Bond/debenture is a debit instrument (Promisory note) issued either by the corporate or Govt. central/state, in case of corporate they issue debentures to meet there day to day operational expense called working capital, company expansion etc & in case govt to meet public expenditure(infrastruction), capital defeciate or trade deficiate etc.  

Stock is an Equity instrument issue by the coprorates for various reasons like amalgamation/acquisation, to reduce there debit etc

The main difference between these two is :-

1. Investment in a bond is like a fixed deposit where you receive the fixed rate of interest on the investment till its matured.On the other hand by investing in stock you will be a part owner of the company. 

2. On maturity bond/debenture is redeemed at par value i.e face value. There is know maturity for Equity stocks. 

3. When comany is winding up/ fails to pay the principal money you can claim the assest provided it has attached in the agreement or certificate, its called charge on asset . In case of company winding up/delisting you won't get any amount/ principal back unless you are preference share holder(even preference share holders get after paying to the creditors).