Dissociation of Acids & Bases into Ions

In summary, acids and bases dissociate into ions while in water because they are defined as substances that dissociate in water. This is due to the polarity of water molecules, which create strong ionic attractions with the dissolved atoms. Even other compounds, such as NaCl, dissociate in the same way. The type of bond between the two ions also plays a role, as well as the polar nature of water as a solvent.
  • #1
labinojha
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why do acids and bases dissociate into ions while in water?
 
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  • #2
It's not just acids and bases...other compounds do it too (ex. NaCl). Look at how they dissociate and which ions are found once they do. Specifically, look at the type of bond between the two ions (hint). What type of solvent is water and how might this play a role?
 
  • #3
Generally because water molecules are polar. The ionic attraction between the polarized water molecules and the dissolved atoms are stronger than the bonds in the original molecules.
 
  • #4
This is a little bit putting things on the head. By (Arrhenius) definition acids and bases are substances that dissociate in water producing either H+ or OH-. As dissociation is part of the definition, every substance that we classified as acid or base must be dissociating. In effect answer to the question "why those substances dissociate" is "because we have chosen substances that dissociate".
 
  • #5


Acids and bases dissociate into ions while in water because of the polar nature of water molecules. Water molecules have a slightly positive end and a slightly negative end, making them capable of attracting and surrounding ions. When an acid or base is added to water, the water molecules surround the ions and pull them apart from each other, causing them to dissociate into their respective ions. This process is known as ionization.
In the case of acids, the water molecules surround the hydrogen ions (H+) and pull them away from the rest of the molecule, creating a positively charged hydrogen ion and a negatively charged ion. This process is what gives acids their characteristic sour taste and ability to conduct electricity.
Similarly, in the case of bases, the water molecules surround the hydroxide ions (OH-) and pull them away from the rest of the molecule, creating a negatively charged hydroxide ion and a positively charged ion. This process is what gives bases their characteristic bitter taste and ability to conduct electricity.
Overall, the dissociation of acids and bases into ions in water is a result of the strong attraction between water molecules and ions, which is essential for the characteristic properties and behavior of acids and bases.
 

1. What is dissociation of acids and bases into ions?

Acids and bases are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) respectively in aqueous solutions. Dissociation refers to the process by which these substances break apart into ions when dissolved in water.

2. Why does dissociation occur?

Dissociation occurs because water molecules are polar and have an uneven distribution of charge. This allows them to attract and surround ions, pulling them apart from the original acid or base molecule.

3. How does dissociation affect the pH of a solution?

Dissociation of acids and bases can change the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution, which in turn affects the pH. Acids increase the concentration of H+ ions, lowering the pH, while bases increase the concentration of OH- ions, raising the pH.

4. What is the difference between strong and weak acids and bases in terms of dissociation?

Strong acids and bases completely dissociate into ions in aqueous solutions, while weak acids and bases only partially dissociate. This means that strong acids and bases have a higher concentration of ions and therefore have a greater impact on the pH of a solution.

5. How is the degree of dissociation of an acid or base measured?

The degree of dissociation, or the extent to which an acid or base breaks apart into ions, can be measured using the dissociation constant (Ka for acids, Kb for bases). This value is determined by the concentration of ions in a solution and is used to compare the strength of different acids and bases.

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