What is the process called that removes orbital electrons from atoms, forming ion pairs?

The process that removes orbital electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ion pairs, is known as ionization. During ionization, an atom's electron is ejected due to the absorption of energy, often from radiation. This leads to the creation of a positively charged ion and a free electron, hence forming ion pairs.

In contrast, radiation refers more broadly to the emission or transmission of energy in the form of particles or waves, and can include various types of radiation such as alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, or X-rays. Electrification involves the buildup of electric charge on a material, which may not necessarily result in ion pairs. Excitation is a process where an electron is promoted to a higher energy level without being completely removed from the atom, thus it does not lead to the formation of ions. Therefore, the term that specifically addresses the removal of electrons and formation of ion pairs is ionization.