Ionization is the process by which an
atom or a
molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing
electrons to form
ions, often in conjunction with other chemical changes. Ionization can result from the loss of an electron after collisions with sub atomic particles, collisions with other atoms, molecules and ions, or through the interaction with light.
Heterolytic bond cleavage and heterolytic
substitution reactions can result in the formation of ion pairs. Ionization can occur through radioactive decay by the
internal conversion process, in which an excited nucleus transfers its energy to one of the
inner-shell electrons causing it to be ejected.
