What is the process called when an atom becomes unbalanced?

The process of ionization is when an atom becomes unbalanced due to the gain or loss of electrons, which alters its electrical charge. This occurs when an atom either loses one or more electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion, or gains electrons, leading to a negatively charged ion. Ionization is crucial in many fields, including chemistry and physics, as it affects chemical reactivity, electrical conductivity, and the behavior of substances in electric fields.

Conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electric current, and while it is related to the presence of charged particles, it does not specifically describe the process that occurs when an atom becomes unbalanced. Electrification generally refers to the process of charging an object, which can involve ionization but is a broader term that encompasses various ways to impart charge. Radiation, on the other hand, involves the emission of energy in the form of waves or particles, which can be a result of changes in an atom but does not specifically define the unbalancing of an atom itself. Thus, ionization is the most accurate term to describe the process of an atom becoming unbalanced.