Which solvent would better dissolve sodium chloride (NaCl)?

• A. Water
• B. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the principle of 'like dissolves like,' which means polar solvents tend to dissolve polar or ionic compounds, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar compounds.
2. Identify the nature of sodium chloride (NaCl): it is an ionic compound composed of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, making it highly polar.
3. Examine the polarity of the solvents: water (H₂O) is a polar solvent with a bent molecular shape and a significant dipole moment, while carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a nonpolar solvent due to its symmetrical tetrahedral shape and lack of a net dipole moment.
4. Since NaCl is ionic and polar, it will interact strongly with the polar water molecules through ion-dipole interactions, which help to separate and dissolve the ions.
5. In contrast, CCl₄ cannot effectively stabilize the ions because it is nonpolar and lacks the ability to form strong interactions with charged species, so NaCl is poorly soluble in CCl₄.