Editing Ionization (section)

==Dissociation – distinction==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
A substance may [[Dissociation (chemistry)|dissociate]] without necessarily producing ions. As an example, the molecules of table sugar dissociate in water (sugar is dissolved) but exist as intact neutral entities. Another subtle event is the dissociation of [[sodium chloride]] (table salt) into sodium and chlorine ions. Although it may seem as a case of ionization, in reality the ions already exist within the crystal lattice. When salt is dissociated, its constituent ions are simply surrounded by water molecules and their effects are visible (e.g. the solution becomes [[electrolytic]]). However, no transfer or displacement of electrons occurs.