Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a qualitative observation in the classification of matter?
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Physical & Chemical Changes
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What happens when salt is placed in water?
A
Salt forms a precipitate at the bottom of the container.
B
Salt remains unchanged and floats on the surface.
C
Salt dissolves and dissociates into ions.
D
Salt reacts with water to form a new compound.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of salt being discussed. Common table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Understand the nature of the interaction between salt and water. Water is a polar solvent, which means it can dissolve ionic compounds like NaCl.
When NaCl is added to water, the polar water molecules interact with the positive sodium ions (Na+) and the negative chloride ions (Cl-).
The water molecules surround the individual Na+ and Cl- ions, effectively pulling them apart and allowing them to disperse throughout the solution. This process is called dissociation.
Conclude that the salt dissolves in water, resulting in a homogeneous solution where the Na+ and Cl- ions are evenly distributed, rather than forming a precipitate or floating on the surface.
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