What happens to the ionic compound NaCl when it is placed in water?

• A. NaCl dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions.
• B. NaCl forms a precipitate at the bottom of the container.
• C. NaCl remains as a solid and does not dissolve.
• D. NaCl reacts with water to form NaOH and HCl.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of ionic compounds: Ionic compounds like NaCl are composed of positive and negative ions held together by ionic bonds.
2. Consider the properties of water: Water is a polar solvent, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, which can interact with ionic compounds.
3. Analyze the process of dissociation: When NaCl is placed in water, the polar water molecules surround the Na+ and Cl- ions, weakening the ionic bonds and allowing the compound to dissociate into its constituent ions.
4. Recognize the result of dissociation: The Na+ ions are surrounded by the partially negative oxygen atoms of water, while the Cl- ions are surrounded by the partially positive hydrogen atoms, leading to the dissolution of NaCl.
5. Evaluate the incorrect options: NaCl does not form a precipitate, remain as a solid, or react with water to form NaOH and HCl, as these processes do not occur under normal conditions when NaCl is dissolved in water.