Acids and bases dissociate into ions in water due to the polar nature of water molecules, which enhances the ionic attraction between the polarized water and the solute. This interaction is stronger than the bonds holding the original molecules together, leading to dissociation. According to Arrhenius' definition, acids and bases produce H+ or OH- ions when dissolved in water, meaning that dissociation is inherent to their classification. This principle extends beyond acids and bases to other ionic compounds like NaCl, which also dissociate into their constituent ions in water. The solvent's polarity plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, as it effectively disrupts the ionic bonds present in the solute.