Acid dissociation refers to the process by which an acid releases protons (H⁺ ions) into a solution. This occurs when an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, dissolves in water, breaking apart into its constituent ions. The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to dissociate; strong acids dissociate completely, while weak acids only partially dissociate. The degree of dissociation can be quantified using the acid dissociation constant, denoted as Ka. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, meaning it dissociates more readily in solution. Understanding acid dissociation is essential in fields like chemistry and biology, where pH and acidity play crucial roles.