To break apart an ionic compound into its constituent ions.
To break apart an ionic compound into its constituent ions. The process is usually reversible. For example, when a salt is dissolved in water, forming positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions, the salt apparently disappears. But all it takes is for the water to evaporate, and the salt reforms.
For example, when a salt is dissolved in water, forming positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions, the salt apparently disappears. But all it takes is for the water to evaporate, and the salt reforms.