WHAT ARE IONS?

A quick crammer on ions: An ion is any atom or molecule that has gained or lost an electron (a teeny-weeny charge of energy, for those who slept through eighth-grade science.) Ions are nothing more than atoms or molecules that have gained or lost an electron. Ions are formed when an electron is detached from a neutral molecule (or atom). The molecule losing an electron becomes a positive ions and the molecules gainning an electron becomes a NEGATIVE ION.

WHAT ARE NEGATIVE IONS?

A negative air ion is an oxygen atom or molecule that has gained an electron and a positive air ion is usually a carbon-dioxide molecule that has lost an electron. Nature provides both positive and negative ions in abundance, but when it comes to feeling good, it's the negative ions that are important.

A TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION?

Air, like all matter, is made of individual molecules. Each of these molecules, in turn, contains smaller particles of positive and negative charges (protons and electrons). Under normal circumstances there are equal numbers of protons and electrons and their charges cancel out, leaving the molecule electrically neutral. However, the negatively charged electrons are lighter and more mobile. If they absorb energy from say, intense sunlight, they have a tendancy to "jump" from one molecule to another. When a negative charge jumps from a molecule it upsets the equilibrium, leaving behind more positive than negative charges. This molecule is now called a positive ion. The electron arriving at the new molecule, brings with it an extra negative charge. This molecule now becomes a negative ion. When the supply of energy is removed, the electrons will return towards the vacated spaces and everything will return to balance, and zero charge.