Dissociation Constants and Temperature

Definition

The shift in carbonate dissociation constants with temperature, where warmer water more readily strips hydrogen from carbonic acid and bicarbonate.

This temperature dependence nudges the system toward carbonate as water heats up, independent of the gas-stripping effect. It is the second of the three stacking temperature effects that produce scale. It explains why heated water favors the carbonate end even before any CO2 has physically escaped.

Related concepts

Acid Dissociation of Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonate · Temperature (Lever)

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics