Ionic equilibrium is the balance between ions and molecules in a solution. It happens when the rate of ion formation equals the rate at which ions recombine to form molecules. This state is dynamic, meaning ions keep forming and recombining, but the overall concentration of ions and molecules remains constant.
Ionization is the process where neutral molecules turn into charged ions. For example, acids, bases, and salts ionize in water.
Dissociation is when an ionic compound splits into its ions in water. For example:
This is slightly different from ionization because the ions already exist in the compound; they just separate.
pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration:
Similarly, pOH is:
Buffers resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. They are made by combining:
Ionization and dissociation are two terms that refer to the same thing: the separation of elements. Ionization and dissociation are distinguished by the fact that ionization always produces electrically charged particles, whereas dissociation may or may not produce electrically charged particles.
Dissociation occurs when ionic substances dissolve in water and their ions separate from one another. Water, like many other covalent compounds, may dissociate into ions, which is a fascinating characteristic.