Base dissociation refers to the process by which a base releases hydroxide ions (OH⁻) into a solution when it dissolves in water. This occurs when the base interacts with water molecules, leading to the formation of hydroxide ions and a corresponding cation. The strength of a base is often measured by its dissociation constant (K_b), which indicates how completely it dissociates in solution. In aqueous solutions, strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), dissociate almost completely, while weak bases, like ammonia (NH₃), only partially dissociate. Understanding base dissociation is essential in fields like chemistry and biochemistry, as it influences pH levels and chemical reactivity in various reactions.