ionization

/,aiənai'zeiʃn/
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ionization

A scientist demonstrates ionization using a high-voltage apparatus.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The process of ionizing: The action or process of converting an atom, molecule, or substance into an ion or ions by adding or removing electrons.
    • The condition of being ionized: The state of having been dissociated into ions, typically as a result of exposure to heat, radiation, chemical reaction, or electrical discharge.
Usage and Examples
  • General Process:
    • Ionization of gases is common in plasma physics.
    • The ionization energy required to remove an electron varies between elements.
  • Resulting State:
    • The ionization of the solution was measured using a conductivity meter.
    • High levels of radiation can cause the ionization of air molecules.
Advanced Usage
  • "Degree of ionization": The fraction of atoms or molecules in a substance that have been ionized.
    • The degree of ionization in the plasma was very high.
  • "Ionization potential": The minimum energy required to remove an electron from an atom or molecule in its gaseous state.
    • Helium has a very high first ionization potential.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ionize (verb): To convert or be converted into an ion or ions.
    • Ultraviolet light can ionize air molecules.
  • Ion (noun): An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
    • Sodium and chloride ions combine to form salt.
  • Ionized (adjective): Having been converted into ions.
    • The ionized gas formed a visible plasma.
Synonyms
  • Dissociation: The splitting of a molecule into smaller molecules, atoms, or ions.
  • Electrolytic dissociation: The separation of a substance into ions in a solution.
Related Scientific Contexts
  • Ionization chamber: A device for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation.
    • The radiation level was checked with an ionization chamber.
  • Photoionization: Ionization caused by interaction with electromagnetic radiation (photons).
    • Photoionization is a key process in the upper atmosphere.
ionization

A scientist demonstrates ionization using a high-voltage apparatus.

Noun
  1. the process of ionizing; the formation of ions by separating atoms or molecules or radicals or by adding or subtracting electrons from atoms by strong electric fields in a gas
  2. the condition of being dissociated into ions (as by heat or radiation or chemical reaction or electrical discharge)
    • the ionization of a gas