Answer to Question #162203 in General Chemistry for Sage Topaz

Question

What types of forces must be broken when an ionic solid dissolves in water? What new forces are formed?

Answer 1

IONIC SOLUTE - POLAR SOLVENT:

When an ionic crystal such as NaCl is placed in water, a dissolving reaction will occur. Initially, the positive and negative ion are only attracted to each other. The water molecules are hydrogen bonded to each other. If the crystal is to dissolve, these bonds must be broken.