NASA’s Deep Space 1 probe used ion propulsion technology to propel it into outer space. Ion propulsion uses an electric charge to ionize atoms such as xenon. These ions are funneled from the exhaust of the craft at such high speends that it is pushed in the opposite direction and propelled into space. The electrical charge that is used to ionize xenon atoms most likely:
A. cause protons to become neutrons
B. cause electrons to be released from the atoms
C. cause neutrons to be released from the atoms
D. change the atoms into radioactive isotopes
