Ionization
(noun)
The process of converting an atom or molecule into an ion by adding or removing electrons.
Origin:
From the greek ión (going) and the suffix -ization.
Examples:
- Ionization occurs when an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron.
- The ionization of a gas is used in devices such as smoke detectors and gas lasers.
- Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or a positive ion.
- Ionization in the atmosphere helps to protect life on Earth from harmful solar radiation.
- Ionization is also used in mass spectrometry to identify and quantify molecules.