- #1
jimmy p
Gold Member
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Can anyone explain WHY acids dissociate?
the oxygen in the water is more electronegative so attracts hydrogens from the acids
Is the amount of dissociation balanced, eg there are the same amounts of H3O+ and X- ions?
So how do you distinguish between weak and strong acids?
Acid dissociation refers to the process by which an acid breaks apart into its constituent ions when dissolved in water.
Acids dissociate in water because of the polarity of water molecules. The positive hydrogen ions in acids are attracted to the negative oxygen atoms in water, causing the bonds between the hydrogen and the rest of the acid molecule to break.
The strength of an acid determines how easily it dissociates in water. Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid, completely dissociate into ions in water, while weak acids, like acetic acid, only partially dissociate.
The concentration of the acid, temperature, and presence of other substances can all affect the degree of acid dissociation. Higher concentrations of acid and higher temperatures typically result in greater dissociation.
Strong acids have a higher tendency to dissociate in water, while weak acids have a lower tendency. This is due to differences in the strength of the acid's bonds and the stability of its ions.