ionization
nounUK /ˌaɪənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
US /ˌaɪənəˈzeɪʃən/
Ionization is when an atom gets a charge by losing or gaining electrons.
The ionization of air molecules creates the charged particles that let lightning travel.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The process of producing ions in a gas or solution, often by heat, electricity, or radiation.
Ionization of the gas inside the tube made it glow.
3. The formation of ions in a liquid, such as when an acid dissolves in water.
The ionization of hydrochloric acid in water releases hydrogen ions.
4. The conversion of atoms or molecules into ions in a mass spectrometer or similar instrument.
The sample underwent ionization before being analyzed.