The theory of electrolytic dissociation is a fundamental concept in chemistry. Its pronunciation is [θiəri əv iˌlɛktrəˈlaɪtɪk dɪˌsosieɪʃən], which can be broken down into individual sounds represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "th" sound is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative, followed by a vowel sound similar to the word "ear". The "r" is pronounced with retroflex articulation, and the stress falls on the second syllable. The word "electrolytic" involves the pronunciation of the "k" sound at the end, while "dissociation" is pronounced with a schwa sound in the second syllable.
The theory of electrolytic dissociation, also known as the Arrhenius theory, is a chemical concept that explains the behavior of electrolytes in solution. Proposed by the Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius in 1884, this theory defines electrolytes as substances that, when dissolved in water or other solvents, dissociate into ions that are capable of conducting an electric current.
According to the theory of electrolytic dissociation, the dissociation process occurs due to the breaking of chemical bonds within the electrolyte molecules, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. These ions become mobile in solution and are responsible for the conduction of electricity. The extent of dissociation, or the degree to which an electrolyte dissociates into ions, is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces holding the ions together.
The theory of electrolytic dissociation is significant in explaining various phenomena related to solutions, especially in electrochemistry. It provides an explanation for the high conductivity of electrolytes relative to non-electrolytes and allows for the prediction of the behavior of ions in solution, including their relative concentrations and activity. This theory forms the basis for understanding concepts such as ionization constants, ionic equilibrium, and the relationship between conductivity and concentration. Although the theory has been largely expanded and refined since its inception, it remains a fundamental concept in chemistry, particularly in the study of solutions and the behavior of ions.