Multiple Choice
Which property of water allows it to dissolve many substances?
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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What property of water allows it to dissolve salt effectively?
A
Its high surface tension
B
Its low boiling point
C
Its ability to form hydrogen bonds
D
Its polar nature
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other side due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Recognize that salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is an ionic compound composed of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-).
When salt is added to water, the polar water molecules interact with the ions in the salt. The partially negative oxygen side of water molecules is attracted to the positive sodium ions, while the partially positive hydrogen side is attracted to the negative chloride ions.
These interactions between water molecules and salt ions help to separate and surround the individual ions, effectively dissolving the salt in water.
This process of dissolving is facilitated by water's polar nature, which allows it to interact with and stabilize the ions in solution, making it an effective solvent for ionic compounds like salt.
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