Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes what happens when sodium chloride dissolves in water?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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In the context of solubility rules, what does it mean when an ionic compound is described as 'soluble' in water?
A
The compound forms a precipitate when mixed with water.
B
The compound remains as a solid and does not interact with water.
C
The compound reacts with water to produce a gas.
D
The compound dissolves in water, forming a solution where its ions are separated and dispersed throughout the solvent.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that solubility refers to the ability of a substance (solute) to dissolve in a solvent, such as water, forming a homogeneous mixture called a solution.
When an ionic compound is described as 'soluble' in water, it means that the compound dissociates into its constituent ions when placed in water.
This dissociation process involves the ionic compound breaking apart into positive and negative ions, which become surrounded by water molecules (hydration), allowing them to disperse evenly throughout the solution.
Recognize that if a compound is insoluble, it does not dissolve significantly and may remain as a solid or form a precipitate in water.
Therefore, 'soluble' means the compound dissolves in water, producing a clear solution with free ions, rather than forming a solid precipitate, reacting to produce gas, or remaining undissolved.
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