a mathematical expression derived to elucidate certain properties of solutions of electrolytes, that is, substances present in the solutions in the form of charged particles (ions (ionization)). Such solutions often behave as if the number of dissolved particles were greater or less than the number actually present; the Debye-Hückel equation takes into account the interactions between the various ions, which are the principal cause of the discrepancies between the properties of dilute solutions of electrolytes and those of so-called ideal solutions.