Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is the process of a neutral atom acquiring a charge called?

1. Ionic bonding

2. Ionization

3. Electrification

4. Ion transport

The correct answer is: Ionization

The process of a neutral atom acquiring a charge is called ionization. This occurs when an atom either loses or gains one or more electrons, which results in the formation of an ion. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged, known as a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged, referred to as an anion. Ionization can happen through various means, such as exposure to radiation, thermal energy, or chemical reactions. Understanding this concept is fundamental in radiation safety because ionization can lead to the formation of reactive species that may cause biological damage in living organisms. In contexts involving radiation, knowing how ionization occurs helps in assessing and managing potential risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. The other terms listed, while related to interactions involving charges and atoms, do not specifically describe the process of an atom acquiring a charge. Ionic bonding refers to the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, electrification describes the process of charging an object, often through friction or contact, and ion transport relates to the movement of ions across a medium, not the process of charge acquisition itself.