Abstract:
Many developments in the theory of electrolytic solutions have been made since the ionic theory was first proposed. The original idea of the dissociation of the electrolyte into simple ions by a reaction which was reversible and obeyed the mass-action law, has been considerably modified in order to correspond with experimental evidence. The assumption that the ratio of the conductivity at a given concentration to the limiting value at extremely low concentration (Λ/Λ°), should give a true measure of the degree of ionization, even though apparently confirmed by data from the variation in freezing-point depression, and from similar physical constants, has also had to be abandoned. This ratio is still used, however, to give a qualitative indication of the degree of ionization, and to compare the properties of various solutions.
