Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical theory describing the behavior of acids, bases, and salts in water: The theory of electrolytic dissociation is a fundamental concept in chemistry. It explains that when certain compounds (electrolytes) dissolve in water, they separate (dissociate) into positively and negatively charged particles called ions. It specifically describes acids as substances that dissociate to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺), bases as substances that dissociate to produce hydroxyl ions (OH⁻), and the reaction between an acid and a base as producing a salt and water.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The theory of electrolytic dissociation, proposed by Svante Arrhenius, was a major advancement in understanding chemical reactions in solution.
  • According to the theory of electrolytic dissociation, hydrochloric acid (HCl) in water dissociates into H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.

Advanced Usage

• "Arrhenius theory": This is a common synonym for the theory of electrolytic dissociation, named after its formulator, Svante Arrhenius.
  • The Arrhenius theory, while foundational, has limitations in explaining acid-base behavior in non-aqueous solvents.

Variants and Related Words

• Arrhenius theory (n): Another name for the theory of electrolytic dissociation.
• Electrolyte (n): A substance that dissociates into ions in solution, a key component described by the theory.
  • Sodium chloride is a strong electrolyte.
• Dissociation (n): The process of a compound separating into ions, central to the theory.
• Ion (n): An atom or molecule with a net electric charge, the particles produced by dissociation.

Synonyms

• Arrhenius acid-base theory: Emphasizes the aspect of the theory dealing with acids and bases.
• Classical dissociation theory: A term sometimes used to distinguish it from later, more comprehensive theories.

Related Concepts

• Acid: A substance that increases the concentration of H⁺ ions when dissolved in water, as defined by this theory.
• Base: A substance that increases the concentration of OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water, as defined by this theory.
• Neutralization: The reaction between an acid and a base to form a salt and water, a key prediction of the theory.

Noun

1. (chemistry) theory that describes aqueous solutions in terms of acids (which dissociate to give hydrogen ions) and bases (which dissociate to give hydroxyl ions); the product of an acid and a base is a salt and water