Ionize: meaning, definitions and examples
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ionize
[ ˈaɪənaɪz ]
chemical process
Ionization is the process in which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in the formation of ions. This process can occur through various means such as exposure to radiation, collision with high-energy particles, or chemical reactions. The significance of ionization spans multiple fields, including chemistry, physics, and biology. Ionization can affect the electrical conductivity of materials and plays a crucial role in processes like dissociation in solutions and gas ionization in plasmas.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The intense heat can ionize the gas in the atmosphere.
- When salt is dissolved in water, it tends to ionize.
- The experiment aimed to ionize the air in a controlled environment.
Translations
Translations of the word "ionize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ionizar
🇮🇳 आयनित करना
🇩🇪 ionisieren
🇮🇩 ionisasi
🇺🇦 іонізувати
🇵🇱 jonizować
🇯🇵 イオン化する
🇫🇷 ioniser
🇪🇸 ionizar
🇹🇷 iyonlaştırmak
🇰🇷 이온화하다
🇸🇦 أيونize
🇨🇿 ionizovat
🇸🇰 ionizovať
🇨🇳 离子化
🇸🇮 ionizirati
🇮🇸 jónisera
🇰🇿 иондау
🇬🇪 იონისირება
🇦🇿 ionlaşmaq
🇲🇽 ionizar
Etymology
The term 'ionize' is derived from the word 'ion,' which comes from the Greek word 'ion,' meaning 'going' or 'that which goes.' The word 'ion' was conceived in the early 19th century by the English scientist Michael Faraday, who used it to describe charged particles that move in an electric field. The verb 'ionize' itself started to appear in scientific literature around the mid-20th century as advancements in atomic and molecular physics paved the way for a deeper understanding of atomic particles and their interactions. As science evolved, ionization was recognized as a fundamental process in both chemistry and physics, giving birth to a range of applications in various fields, including electronics, healthcare, and environmental science.