What happens to an ionic compound when it dissolves in water?

What happens to an ionic compound when it dissolves in water?

• A. It forms a gas.
• B. It separates into positive and negative ions.
• C. It becomes solid.
• D. It retains its molecular structure.

Answer: (B)

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it separates into positive and negative ions. This process occurs because the polar water molecules interact with the charged ions in the ionic compound. The positive ends of the water molecules are attracted to the negatively charged anions, while the negative ends are attracted to the positively charged cations. This interaction allows the compound to dissociate, which means that the individual ions are surrounded by water molecules, becoming free in the solution. This is a key characteristic of ionic compounds, distinguishing them from covalent compounds, which might not ionize in water. The ability to separate into ions is essential for understanding the conductivity of ionic solutions and their reactivity in various chemical processes.

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it separates into positive and negative ions. This process occurs because the polar water molecules interact with the charged ions in the ionic compound. The positive ends of the water molecules are attracted to the negatively charged anions, while the negative ends are attracted to the positively charged cations. This interaction allows the compound to dissociate, which means that the individual ions are surrounded by water molecules, becoming free in the solution. This is a key characteristic of ionic compounds, distinguishing them from covalent compounds, which might not ionize in water. The ability to separate into ions is essential for understanding the conductivity of ionic solutions and their reactivity in various chemical processes.