National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Ionization refers to which of the following processes?

1. The stabilization of atomic nuclei

2. The acquisition of an electrical charge by atoms or molecules

3. The physical transformation of matter

4. The conversion of matter into energy

The correct answer is: The acquisition of an electrical charge by atoms or molecules

Ionization refers to the process through which atoms or molecules acquire an electrical charge. This occurs when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in the formation of charged particles known as ions. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes positively charged (cation), while gaining electrons results in a negatively charged ion (anion). This process is fundamental in various fields, including chemistry and physics, as it plays a crucial role in chemical reactions, electrical conduction, and the behavior of substances in different states of matter. The correct choice highlights the essence of ionization as a transformation that involves charge, distinguishing it from other processes such as stabilization of atomic nuclei, physical transformations of matter, or the conversion of matter into energy, which do not directly relate to the gain or loss of electrons and the corresponding development of electrical charge.