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Chemistry

Thermodynamic Activity of Ions in Non-Ideal Solutions

Quick fact

In a 1 M solution of sodium chloride, the effective concentration (activity) of ions is only about 0.6 M, because strong electrostatic attractions between ions reduce their ability to participate in reactions.

Why this is interesting

You've probably measured out a precise concentration of salt in water, but did you know that the ions in that solution do not always 'interact' as if they were at that concentration? Why does a concentrated electrolyte behave as if it has less dissolved ions than it does?