DISSOCIATION REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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Dissociation reaction refers to a type of chemical reaction in which a compound breaks down or splits into smaller components, usually as a result of being dissolved in a solvent or due to the application of external energy such as heat or electricity. In dissociation reactions, a compound is typically transformed into its constituent ions or radicals.
The process of dissociation occurs when the forces that hold the compound together are overcome, causing the compound to split into its individual particles. These particles can be charged ions (positively or negatively charged atoms or groups of atoms) or uncharged radicals, which are highly reactive species containing one or more unpaired electrons.
Common examples of dissociation reactions include the dissolution of ionic compounds in water, where the compound dissociates into its respective positively and negatively charged ions. For instance, when table salt (NaCl) dissolves in water, it undergoes dissociation in which NaCl breaks down into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). Similarly, acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociate in water to produce hydronium ions (H3O+) and chloride ions (Cl-).
Dissociation reactions play a crucial role in various fields of chemistry, including biochemistry, electrochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Understanding and studying dissociation reactions is essential in determining the behavior, properties, and reactions of compounds in different chemical environments and solutions.
Etymology of DISSOCIATION REACTION
The word "dissociation" originated from the Latin word "dissociatio", which is derived from the verb "dissociare". "Dissociare" is a combination of the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away", and the verb "sociare" meaning "to join" or "to unite". Therefore, "dissociare" can be translated as "to disjoin" or "to separate".
The term "reaction" comes from the Latin word "reactio", which is derived from the verb "reagere". "Reagere" is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "again", and the verb "agere" meaning "to do" or "to act". So, "reagere" can be translated as "to act in response" or "to act back".
