AbstractsChemistry

The classical theory of electrolyte solutions is characterised by a complete neglect of the forces between ions and thus corresponds to the theory of perfect gases. It is therefore not surprising that the theory was found to be incapable of describing the behaviour of electrolytes which are dissociated to a great extent. It is known that the Coulomb forces existing between ions in virtue of their electric charges are considerably greater than the intermolecular forces usually dealt with and. fall off much more slowly with the distance. The problem thus arises of investigating the effect of these forces and devising methods which are suited to their special nature. Just as Van der Waal's theory of real gases involves no contradiction of the theory of perfect gases the modern theory of electrolytes is not incompatible with the ideas of Arrhenius. It seeks only to introduce certain refinements which are necessary to explain the anomalies, just as it is necessary to take into account the ordinary intermolecular forces to obtain an equation of state for gases which will make plausible the phenomena of the critical point and liquefaction.