From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Ionization is the physical process of giving or taking away electrons from an atom. That makes it an ion, because it now has an electric charge.

In the process of ionization, an electrically neutral atom becomes either positively or negatively charged. Some substances are easier to ionize than others. This depends on the ionization energy. [1] Ionizing radiation is a common cause, but ionization can also be done artificially.

References[change | change source]

  1. Encyclopædia Britannica. Ionization (chemistry and physics). Encyclopedia Britannica Online, 13 May 2014. <>.