3. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a compound composed of a cation and an anion. Briefly explain how and why this compound would dissolve in water. Make sure you describe the atomic interactions involved in this process. Why would a saturated fatty acid not dissolve in water in the same way as sodium chloride? (10 marks)
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Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, which means it is composed of a positively charged cation (Na+) and a negatively charged anion (Cl-). These ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces called ionic bonds. Show more…
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Madhur L.
Why can table salt (NaCl) dissolve easily in water? Water can remove electrons from the chloride ion, which causes the latter to dissociate from the sodium and dissolve. Water can add electrons to the sodium ion. Water can form covalent linkages with salt molecules. Water is polar and salt is nonpolar. Nonpolar compounds are more soluble in polar solvents because they are able to form strong covalent bonds that result in a breaking up of the molecule being dissolved. The partial positive charge of the hydrogens in the water molecule can associate with the negative charge of the chloride ion, and the partial negative charge of the oxygen of the water molecule can associate with the positive charge of the sodium atom.
Adi S.
Why does sodium chloride dissolve well in water? Select one: a. The ionic bonds form because the non-polar environment repels each ion b. The covalent bonds in sodium chloride are non-polar c. The covalent bonds in sodium chloride are polar d. The ionic bonds break because portions of the water molecules attract each ion
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