Answer to Question #3973 in Physical Chemistry for ange

Question

Ionic bonds are considered to be strong chemical bonds,yet ions disociate in water. Explain this apparent contradiction.

Answer 1

One ionic bond is very strong, much stronger than the bond that occurs between
one of its corresponding ions and a water molecule. However, when the ions or
dissociated in water, there are many water molecules that bond to each ion. The
water molecules form what is known as a solvation sphere around each of the
ions, where many water molecules surround one ion and encapsulate it. All of the
weak water to ion bonds add up and the total energy of these bonds is actually
higher than the energy of the single ionic bond.