Ionisation: meaning, definitions and examples

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ionisation

 

[ aɪənaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical process

Ionisation is the process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons to form ions. This process is fundamental in chemistry and physics, playing a crucial role in a variety of chemical reactions and phenomena, such as electrical conductivity, the formation of plasma, and radiation interaction with matter.

Synonyms

electrification, ionization

Examples of usage

  • Ionisation occurs when radiation strikes an atom.
  • The ionisation of gases leads to the formation of charged particles.
  • Ionisation energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Word origin

The term 'ionisation' originates from the late 19th century, derived from the word 'ion' and the suffix '-isation'. The concept of ions and ionisation was first introduced by the British scientist Michael Faraday in the 1830s when he discovered that there are charged particles in solutions. The Greek word 'iōn', meaning 'to go', reflects the movement of charged particles during the process. The term gained acceptance in the scientific community as advances in chemistry and physics revealed more about atomic structure and the behavior of electrons. By the early 20th century, ionisation was firmly established in scientific literature, especially with the rise of quantum mechanics and the study of atomic interactions. Its relevance extends to various fields including atmospheric science, plasma physics, and even medicine, illustrating its significance in both theoretical and practical applications.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,231, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.