When an ionic compound dissolves in water, what typically occurs at the molecular level?

• A. The compound forms a precipitate and settles at the bottom of the container.
• B. The compound reacts with water to form a covalent molecule.
• C. The compound dissociates into its constituent ions, which become surrounded by water molecules.
• D. The compound remains intact and does not interact with water molecules.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that ionic compounds are composed of positive and negative ions held together by ionic bonds in a lattice structure.
2. When an ionic compound dissolves in water, the polar water molecules interact with the ions due to their partial positive and negative charges.
3. This interaction causes the ionic compound to dissociate, meaning it breaks apart into its individual ions (cations and anions).
4. Each ion becomes surrounded by water molecules in a process called hydration or solvation, where water molecules stabilize the ions in solution.
5. As a result, the ionic compound no longer exists as a solid lattice but as free ions dispersed throughout the water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.