acid-base dissociation

Acid-base dissociation refers to how acids and bases behave when they dissolve in water. When an acid dissolves, it releases tiny particles called hydrogen ions (H+), which increase the solution's acidity. Conversely, a base releases hydroxide ions (OH-), which reduce acidity. Dissociation describes this process of breaking apart into these ions. The strength of an acid or base depends on how completely it dissociates: strong acids/bases dissociate fully, while weak ones do so partially. This process determines how acids and bases interact and affect pH levels in solutions.