Question

Explain the process of ionisation

Answer 1

Answer:

Ionization or ionisation, is the process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons, often in conjunction with other chemical changes. The resulting electrically charged atom or molecule is called an ion. 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 electromagnetic radiation. 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.

Answer 2

To understand the process, we will consider the structure of sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is the common salt, we use in our day to day life. The atomic number of Na and Cl are 11 and 17 respectively. That means sodium atom has 11 numbers of electrons and chlorine atom has 17 numbers of electrons in their orbits.

The Na atom has only one single electron in its outermost orbit. Whereas chlorine contains seven electrons in its outermost orbit. But we know that for stability, atoms generally require eight electrons in their outermost orbit. So, both of the shown atoms are chemically active. When these atoms are brought together, Na atom loses its outermost electrons, becomes positively charged and Cl atom gains one electron and becomes negatively charged. So both atoms acquire eight electrons in their outer most orbit by exchanging these electrons. As the Na atom is positively charged and Cl atom is negatively charged, electrostatic force acts between them, due to which they will together and make one NaCl molecule.