Hydration
Definition
Hydration refers specifically to the process where water molecules surround and interact with ions or other polar substances due its polarity, leading them to dissolve effectively in water.
Analogy
Consider hydration as a group of friends (water molecules) welcoming a new member (ion or polar substance) into their circle. They surround the newcomer, making them feel part of the group.
Related terms
Polarity: The property of having poles or being polar, which in chemistry means having uneven distribution of electron density.
Hydrogen Bonding: A type of attractive intermolecular force that exists between two partial electric charges of opposite polarity.
Aqueous Solution: A solution in which the solvent is water.
"Hydration" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.