The document discusses the common ion effect, which is the reduction of salt dissociation due to the addition of a common ion, illustrated through examples such as silver chloride and barium iodate. It explains how solubility equilibria and the solubility product constant (Ksp) are affected by this phenomenon in various chemical contexts, including weak acids and bases. Additionally, it outlines practical applications of the common ion effect, such as in the purification of salts and the 'salting out' of soaps.