Ionic Atmosphere

an increased concentration of ions of opposite charge in the volume surrounding a given ion in solution; it forms because of the action of the electric field generated by the ion. The total charge of the ionic atmosphere is equal in magnitude to the charge of the ion but is of opposite sign.

The concept of ionic atmosphere simplifies calculation of interactions between ions in solution using statistical methods (by examining the continuous field of the ionic atmosphere of the ion rather than the electric fields generated by each ion surrounding the central ion). Each ion, including any ion forming a part of the ionic atmosphere of a given ion, may be regarded as a central ion having its own atmosphere.