Ionization
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-006646
The process by which an atom or molecule acquires a net electrical charge by gaining or losing electrons. In the atmosphere, this occurs when high-energy radiation, such as cosmic rays or ultraviolet light, collides with neutral gas molecules. This process creates free electrons and positively charged ions, influencing atmospheric chemistry and electrical properties.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-006646 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
| See also | Photoionization |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-006646",
"term": "Ionization",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "The process by which an atom or molecule acquires a net electrical charge by gaining or losing electrons. In the atmosphere, this occurs when high-energy radiation, such as cosmic rays or ultraviolet light, collides with neutral gas molecules. This process creates free electrons and positively charged ions, influencing atmospheric chemistry and electrical properties.",
"see_also": [
"photoionization"
],
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/ionization/"
}
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