What is Ionization?

Ionization is when an atom or molecule gains either a positive or negative charge. It can occur in one of two ways: first, when electrons are either gained or lost by a particle; second, when one atom or molecule combines with another atom or molecule that already has a charge. The charged particle itself is called an ion. Ions that are positively charged are called cations, and ions that are negatively charged are called anions. As well, ions made up of one atom are called monatomic ions, and ions made up of multiple atoms are called polyatomic ions.

Ionization often occurs because of the number of electrons a particle has. Particles with paired (even-numbered) electrons are more stable than those with unpaired electrons; atoms with filled electron shells are also more stable than those with only partially-filled shells. When particles collide and interact, electrons from one atom might be pulled to another in order to give it an even number of electrons or to fill one of its electron shells. An atom with an odd number of electrons and only a single electron in its outer shell would tend to give up its electron in such an interaction. Particles charged through ionization tend not to be as stable as those that naturally have their electron shells filled with an equal number of protons and electrons.

There is a special type of bonding based on ions. This bonding, known as ionic bonding, is caused by the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. This sort of bond usually occurs when two atoms come into contact and an electron from the valence shell of one jumps to the valence shell of another. The jumping of electrons creates two ions, one positively charged and one negatively charged. The ions are attracted to eachother, and ionic bonding can occur. When this reaction happens on a large scale, ionic crystals can form. The chemical reaction between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) that results in table salt is an example of such a reaction.

Ionization is a buzz word often used in retail product marketing. Air ionizers (sometimes written as “ionisers”) use electricity to charge and hopefully clean the air. Water ionizers charge water particles and often claim that there are health benefits for drinking such liquids. Ionic pet brushes claim to remove pet odor and dander by ionizing the air between the animal’s individual hair shafts. Pool ionizers use metal ions and a small electric current in an attempt to kill bacteria. Consumers should research all ionizer products prior to purchase or use.