Ion trajectories in weak electrolytes

Abstract

The equations of the mean relative trajectories of neighbouring oppositely charged ions in a weak electrolyte that has attained a steady state in a uniform applied electric field are determined analytically. Both the dissociation and recombination of ions are considered and the mean relative trajectories are defined in terms of the ensemble average flow patterns of the ions participating in these processes. For recombination of ions, the equation of the boundary of ionic attraction is also derived. The mean times involved in the dissociation and recombination processes are determined by using numerical quadrature. The results obtained are consistent with the Bjerrum (1926) theory of weak electrolytes.