aggregation number

An aggregation number refers to the average number of individual molecules that come together to form a larger structured group, such as in solutions or materials. For example, in soap or detergent solutions, surfactant molecules arrange themselves into clusters called micelles. The aggregation number tells us how many molecules are typically in one micelle. It provides insight into the size and stability of these structures, which impacts how effectively they clean or interact with other substances. Essentially, it's a way to quantify the size of molecular assemblies in a system.