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Ionization is when an atom or molecule gains a positive or negative charge, either by gaining or losing electrons or by combining with another charged particle. Positively charged ions are cations and negatively charged ions are anions. Ionization can lead to the formation of ionic bonds, which occur when two atoms come into contact and an electron from the valence shell of one jumps to the valence shell of another. Ionizers are used in various products, but consumers should research before purchasing.
Ionization is when an atom or molecule gains a positive or negative charge. It can occur in two ways: first, when electrons are gained or lost by a particle; second, when an atom or molecule combines with another atom or molecule that already has a charge. The charged particle itself is called an ion. Positively charged ions are called cations and negatively charged ions are called anions. Furthermore, ions made up of one atom are called monatomic ions and ions made up of multiple atoms are called polyatomic ions.
Ionization often occurs due to the number of electrons a particle has. Particles with paired electrons (even numbers) 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, the electrons of one atom can be attracted to another to give it an even number of electrons or to fill one of its shells with electrons. An atom with an odd number of electrons and only one 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 equal numbers of protons and electrons.
There is a special type of bond based on ions. This bond, known as an ionic bond, is caused by the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. This type 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 electron jump creates two ions, one positively charged and one negatively charged. The ions are attracted to each other and ionic bonding can occur. When this reaction occurs 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 an often used buzzword in retail product marketing. Air ionizers (sometimes written as “ionizers”) use electricity to charge and hopefully clean the air. Water ionizers charge particles of water and often claim there are health benefits to drinking such liquids. Ionic pet brushes claim to remove pet odor and dandruff by ionizing the air between the individual shafts of the pet’s coat. Pool ionizers use metal ions and a small electric current in an attempt to kill bacteria. Consumers should research all ionizer products before purchase or use.
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