Using Atomic Theory to Understand • Why Salt (NaCl) Dissolves in Water (H2O)

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Salt is formed when Sodium and Chlorine atoms share electrons…NaClNaCl ionic Bonds

But salt, NaCl, atoms break apart in Water (a chemical change)… into positive Na ions and negative Cl ions. Why?

Teaspoon of Salt in Water

Water is a solvent that can dissolve (break apart) many substances.

Water molecules are like mini-magnets. One side is more negative, one side more positive)
These mini magnets interact with the charged atoms of many molecules, including NaCL, breaking them apart.

Water H2O molecules are polar
Water molecules are Polar (having + & – poles)

The polar water molecules remain intact and their electro-magnetic energy

  • attracts the positive Na ions to their negative (Oxygen) side, and
  • attracts the negative Cl ions to their positive (Hydrogen side)

Salt NaCl dissociates in water H2O*

NaCL in Water-Diagram“Magical” properties of Water: Why does is it called the “universal solvent”? (why can it dissolve so many compounds?) Why doesn’t water ice, a solid, sink to bottom of pond?

 

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