Which statement best describes what happens when NaCl dissolves in water?

• A. NaCl remains as intact molecules in solution.
• B. NaCl reacts with water to form NaOH and HCl.
• C. NaCl dissociates completely into Na^+ and Cl^- ions.
• D. NaCl forms a precipitate and does not dissolve.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that NaCl is an ionic compound composed of Na^+ (sodium) and Cl^- (chloride) ions held together by ionic bonds in a solid lattice.
2. Recall that when ionic compounds dissolve in water, the polar water molecules interact with the ions, stabilizing them and causing the ionic lattice to break apart.
3. Recognize that this process is called dissociation, where NaCl separates into its constituent ions: Na^+ and Cl^-.
4. Note that NaCl does not remain as intact molecules in solution because it is not a molecular compound; it exists as ions.
5. Also, understand that NaCl does not chemically react with water to form NaOH and HCl, nor does it form a precipitate when dissolved in water.