Question

What is ionization?
(A) Adding neutrons to an atom
(B) Removing neutrons from an atom
(C) Adding protons to an atom
(D) Removing electrons from an atom
(E) Removing protons from an atom

Answer 1

Hint: Think about ions, by which process are they formed and how are they formed. Think about all the terms given in the options and find out the name used to describe each of those processes.

Complete answer:
- Ionization means formation of ions. Ionization is the process in which an atom or molecule loses or gains electrons to form an ion.
- Depending upon the ability of atoms or molecules to lose or gain electrons, they are classified into two types namely, cations and anions.
- A cation is an ion formed due to losing electrons and therefore, it is positively charged.
- An anion is an ion formed due to gaining electrons and thus, it is negatively charged.
- For example, in ionic compounds like table salt, NaCl, sodium loses one electron to form sodium ion, $N{{a}^{+}}$ and chlorine gains one electron to form chloride ion, $C{{l}^{-}}$.
- Now, let’s have a look at the options given in the question.
- Adding neutrons to the atom leads to formation of isotopes.
- Removing neutrons from an atom is a process called nuclear fission in nuclear chemistry.
- Adding protons to an atom is a process called protonation.
- Removing electrons from an atom is called ionization.
- Removing protons from an atom is called deprotonation.
- Therefore, ionization is removing electrons from an atom.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (D).

Note:
Don’t get confused with ionization and dissociation. Ionization is the process of formation of ions. In dissociation, there is bond cleavage involved as well like in dissociation of water to form protons and hydroxyl ions. Remember that though in this case, ions are formed, bond cleavage has taken place resulting in formation of ions so the proper term for this process is dissociation.