Which of the following diagrams best represents a gas that has been ionized?

• A. A diagram showing gas molecules with some particles depicted as positive ions and others as free electrons.
• B. A diagram showing solid particles arranged in a fixed lattice.
• C. A diagram showing gas molecules clustered together in one corner of the container.
• D. A diagram showing neutral gas molecules evenly spaced throughout the container.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what ionization means: Ionization is the process where atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons, resulting in charged particles called ions.
2. Recall the characteristics of a gas: Gas particles are widely spaced and move freely, unlike solids where particles are fixed in a lattice.
3. Identify what happens when a gas is ionized: Some gas molecules lose electrons and become positive ions, while the lost electrons become free electrons moving independently.
4. Analyze the diagrams based on these facts: The correct representation of an ionized gas should show both positive ions and free electrons dispersed throughout the container.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: A solid lattice represents a solid, clustering in one corner is not typical of gases, and neutral molecules evenly spaced represent a non-ionized gas.