Question

What is the term for the positive and negative ions of a compound breaking apart in a solution?
(A) Conglomeration
(B) Oxidation
(C) Dissociation
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Another name for something breaking into pieces is called dissociation. It is no different in case of compounds in solution also. Mostly the general meaning in English is also considered as the same name in compounds also.

Complete step by step answer
Conglomeration is the phenomena where some particles are grouped together. Hence, we can say it is nowhere close to breaking anything. Conglomeration is found in surface chemistry.
When the oxidation number of an atom is increased or an atom loses electrons it is known as oxidation. In redox reactions oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. Reduction is the opposite of oxidation. That means when the oxidation number of any atom decreases or an atom gains electrons that is called reduction. The species which gets oxidized itself and reduces others is known as reluctant and the species which gets reduced itself and oxidizes others is known as oxidant.
Dissociation itself means breaking. An ionic compound may break into positive and negative ions. Acids and bases can also break into positive and negative parts when they are in solution. Acids leave ${H^ + }$ ions in a solution and bases leave $O{H^ - }$ ions in a solution. Most of the compounds break into positive and negative ions even when they are not in solution. This is known as dissociation. Among the two atoms which are attached through a bond, the one which is more electronegative forms negative ion or anion and the one which is less electronegative forms positive ion or cation on dissociation. For example, an acid $HCl$ dissociates to ${H^ + }$ and $C{l^ - }$ in aqueous solution. ${H^ + }$ is positively charged, that’s why it is cation and $C{l^ - }$ is negatively charged ,that’s why it is anion.

Hence, option C is correct.

Note
Dissociation and decomposition both indicate breaking of bonds of any compound. Association means joining something. So their meaning and definition are hidden in their names only.