Dissociation constant
Dissociation Constant
The Dissociation Constant (pronunciation: /dɪˌsoʊʃiˈeɪʃən ˈkɒnstənt/), often denoted by the symbol Kd, is a specific type of equilibrium constant that measures the propensity of a larger object to separate (dissociate) reversibly into smaller components, as when a complex falls apart into its component molecules, or when a salt splits up into its constituent ions.
Etymology
The term "Dissociation Constant" is derived from the process it describes. "Dissociation" comes from the Latin "dissociare" meaning "to separate", and "Constant" from the Latin "constans" meaning "standing firm", referring to the constant ratio of the concentrations of the products and reactants when the reaction has reached equilibrium.
Definition
The Dissociation Constant is defined as the ratio of the concentrations of the dissociated species to the concentration of the undissociated species at equilibrium. The larger the value of the Dissociation Constant, the more the dissociation and hence the weaker the acid, base, or whatever species is being considered.
Related Terms
- Acid dissociation constant (Ka)
- Base dissociation constant (Kb)
- Equilibrium constant (Keq)
- Ion product of water (Kw)
Applications
The Dissociation Constant is used in many areas of chemistry and biochemistry, including acid-base chemistry, the study of chemical equilibria, and the determination of the strength of binding between molecules in a complex.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dissociation constant
- Wikipedia's article - Dissociation constant
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