Ionization and Excitation

Ionization involves an atom or molecule loosing an electron, gaining a positive charge. It's like if you lost a penny, making your total wealth slightly less. Excitation happens when an electron within an atom jumps to a higher energy level, kind of like moving up a step on a ladder. It doesn't leave the atom, but uses additional energy to move up. When it falls back down, it releases that energy as light, similar to fireworks lighting up the sky when the built-up energy is released.