<P> 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 subatomic 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 . </P>
<P> 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 subatomic 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 . </P>
what changes when an ion forms from an atom or when an atom forms from an ion
what changes when an ion forms from an atom or when an atom forms from an ion
acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons
acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons