What is ionization?

Ionization refers to the process where an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. This process is a fundamental concept in fields such as chemistry, physics, and radiation safety because ions can significantly affect the behavior of matter, particularly in interactions involving radiation.

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged (a cation), while gaining an electron creates a negatively charged ion (an anion). This transformation can happen through various means, including exposure to radiation, which can provide the energy needed to overcome the binding energy of the electrons in an atom. Understanding ionization is crucial in radiation safety because ionizing radiation can lead to biological damage, prompting the need for safety measures when working with radioactive materials or high-energy radiation sources.

The other options do not accurately define ionization. Transitions between states of matter, formation of molecules, and creation of neutral atoms pertain to different processes and do not involve the specific gain or loss of electrons that characterizes ionization.