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:

1. Ionization occurs when an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron.
2. The ionization of a gas is used in devices such as smoke detectors and gas lasers.
3. Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or a positive ion.
4. Ionization in the atmosphere helps to protect life on Earth from harmful solar radiation.
5. Ionization is also used in mass spectrometry to identify and quantify molecules.