Question

Sufficiently strong electric fields can cause atoms tobecome positively ionized-that is, to lose one or more electrons.Explain how this can happen. What determines how strong thefield must be to make this happen?

Short answer

If the (external) electric field's force is greater than the forces holding the electrons to the atom, the electrons could be pushed from the atom, leaving it positively ionized.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of the gravity and the electric force

Gravity is a primary interaction that attracts (or gravitates) all entities with mass or energy.For instance,the gases in the sun are held together by gravity.

An electric force is the attracting or repulsive interface between individuals' charged things.For instance, Rubbing the cloth with iron rod.

Determines how strong the field must be to make this happen

The electric field, denoted by the symbol $\overrightarrow{E}$, is a scalar quantity that represents the Energy per unit charge produced on a charged particle at any place.

Look at equation 21-3.

localid="1663841093344" $\overrightarrow{E}=\frac{\overrightarrow{F_0}}{q_0}$

The electrons (a charged entity) are affected by forces that attach it to the atom.

If the (external) electric field's force is greater than the forces holding the electrons to the atom, the electrons could be pushed from the atom, leaving it positively ionized.