Ioniserad

Ioniserad is the Swedish term for ionized, referring to matter in which atoms or molecules have lost or gained one or more electrons, resulting in charged particles called ions. Ionization is the process by which neutral species are converted to ions by supplying sufficient energy to overcome the ionization energy of the species.

Ionization occurs in many environments. In gases under electric fields, it can produce plasma, a state found in stars, flames, and neon signs. In chemistry and biology, ionization influences reactivity, solubility, and acidity. In analytical science, ionization is a prerequisite for techniques such as mass spectrometry, where molecules are converted into charged ions for detection and analysis.

Common ionization methods include electron impact ionization, photoionization, chemical ionization, field ionization, and soft ionization techniques such as electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).

Applications span mass spectrometry, plasma processing, semiconductor fabrication, and air purification devices that generate ions to charge and remove particles. Consumer products marketed as ionizers may use corona discharge or other means to produce ions, with varying scientific consensus on health or environmental effects.

Safety and terminology: ionization refers to the creation of ions, not to radiation per se. Ionizing radiation is a related but distinct concept involving high-energy photons or particles capable of ionizing matter in living tissue. The term ioniserad primarily describes matter that has been ionized, or devices designed to generate ions, rather than harmful radiation.