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Dissociation of Ionic Compounds

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Dissociation of Ionic Compounds:

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it undergoes a process called dissociation, where the compound breaks apart into its individual ions. In the solid state, the positive and negative ions of the ionic compound are tightly held together by strong ionic bonds. These oppositely charged ions are arranged side by side in a rigid structure.

1. Dissolution in Water

When the ionic compound is added to water

  1. Water molecules surround the compound and begin to penetrate the spaces between the positive and negative ions.
  2. The force of attraction between the water molecules and the ions is strong enough to overcome the ionic bonds holding the ions together.
  3. The ions break free from the solid structure and disperse throughout the water, forming an aqueous solution.

2. Hydration of Ions

Once the ions are separated, each ion is surrounded by water molecules. This is called hydration. The ions in this hydrated state are indicated by adding (aq) after their symbol.

For example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) dissociates in water as

NaCl (s)→Na⁺ (aq)+Cl⁻ (aq)

Here, (aq) means the ion is dissolved and surrounded by water molecules.

Dissociation of salt in aqueous solution

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