Dissociation of Acids & Bases into Ions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the dissociation of acids and bases into ions when dissolved in water, exploring the underlying reasons and definitions related to this phenomenon. It includes theoretical perspectives and conceptual clarifications.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why acids and bases dissociate into ions in water.
  • Another participant notes that other compounds, such as NaCl, also dissociate and suggests examining the type of bond and the role of water as a solvent.
  • A different participant proposes that the polar nature of water molecules leads to stronger ionic attractions with dissolved atoms than the original bonds in the compounds.
  • Another participant argues that, according to the Arrhenius definition, acids and bases are defined by their ability to dissociate in water, implying that their dissociation is inherent to their classification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons for dissociation, with some focusing on the properties of water and others emphasizing the definitions of acids and bases. No consensus is reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the definitions used or the assumptions about the nature of water as a solvent.

labinojha
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why do acids and bases dissociate into ions while in water?
 
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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?
 
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.
 
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".
 

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