Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds is soluble in water?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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Which of the following best explains why compounds like NaCl dissolve easily in water?
A
The ionic bonds in NaCl are broken by the attraction of water molecules to the Na+ and Cl- ions.
B
NaCl is soluble in water because both are covalent substances.
C
NaCl reacts chemically with water to form new covalent compounds.
D
Water molecules are nonpolar and can surround NaCl crystals, causing them to dissolve.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the nature of NaCl: NaCl is an ionic compound composed of Na\textsuperscript{+} and Cl\textsuperscript{-} ions held together by strong ionic bonds.
Recognize the polarity of water: Water (H\textsubscript{2}O) is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom.
Explain the interaction between water and NaCl: The polar water molecules surround the Na\textsuperscript{+} and Cl\textsuperscript{-} ions, with the oxygen side attracted to Na\textsuperscript{+} and the hydrogen side attracted to Cl\textsuperscript{-}.
Describe the process of dissolution: This attraction between water molecules and ions overcomes the ionic bonds in NaCl, causing the crystal lattice to break apart and the ions to disperse in solution.
Conclude why NaCl dissolves easily: Because water molecules stabilize the separated ions through ion-dipole interactions, NaCl dissolves readily in water without forming new covalent compounds or relying on nonpolar interactions.
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