IONIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Ionization is a physical process in which one or more electrons are removed or added to an atom, molecule, or ion, resulting in the formation of charged species known as ions. It is the transition of a neutral particle into an electrically charged particle by the gain or loss of electrons.
In the process of ionization, atoms or molecules can be subjected to various forms of energy such as heat, light, or electric fields. When these energetic particles interact with an atom or molecule, they can transfer enough energy to either remove an electron from an atom or add an extra electron to it. The resulting charged species, called ions, possess a positive or negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons, respectively.
Ionization plays a fundamental role in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry and physics. It is crucial for the understanding of chemical reactions, material properties, and the behavior of plasmas. Ionization is also at the heart of several technological applications, such as particle accelerators, mass spectrometry, and laser technologies.
Overall, ionization is the process through which a neutral particle acquires an electric charge by gaining or losing electrons. This phenomenon has significant implications in various fields of science and technology, serving as a foundation for understanding the behavior of atoms, molecules, and ions in different environments.
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Dissociation into ions, occurring when an electrolyte is dissolved; iontophoresis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IONIZATION
Etymology of IONIZATION
The word "ionization" is derived from the noun "ion", which was coined in 1834 by Michael Faraday, an English scientist. The term "ion" was created by adding the suffix "-ion" to the earlier word "particle". The suffix "-ion" is derived from the Latin noun suffix "-io" or "-iōnis", which denotes action or condition. Hence, "ionization" refers to the process or act of forming or creating ions.
Similar spelling word for IONIZATION
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