Ion charging 33 Equipment using ultraviolet light etc. may generate ions. When those ions become attached to workpieces, workpieces become charged. ・ An ion is an electrically charged atom or molecule. ・ The ionizer positively or negatively ionizes molecular oxygen (oxygen atoms) and molecular nitrogen (nitrogen atoms) in the air. What is an ion? . . . + + + . . . . + + + . . + + + Normal condition Balanced molecules (atoms) Ionized molecules (atoms) Technical Information Static Electricity