Which of the following best describes the process of dissolution in water?

• A. Water molecules form covalent bonds with the solute particles.
• B. Ionic compounds separate into their constituent ions and become surrounded by water molecules.
• C. Molecules of a solid are converted directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase.
• D. The solute particles aggregate together, forming a precipitate.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dissolution in water involves the interaction between solute particles and water molecules, leading to the solute dispersing uniformly in the solvent.
2. Recall that water is a polar solvent, which means it can stabilize charged particles (ions) through electrostatic interactions, but it does not typically form covalent bonds with solute particles.
3. Recognize that ionic compounds dissolve in water by separating into their constituent ions, a process called dissociation, where each ion becomes surrounded by water molecules in a process known as hydration or solvation.
4. Note that the other options describe different processes: forming covalent bonds is not typical in dissolution, sublimation is the direct phase change from solid to gas, and precipitation is the opposite of dissolution.
5. Conclude that the best description of dissolution in water is that ionic compounds separate into their constituent ions and become surrounded by water molecules.