Which of the following best describes the role of NaCl in an aqueous salt solution?

• A. NaCl remains as solid crystals and does not interact with water.
• B. NaCl dissociates into Na^+ and Cl^- ions, making the solution conductive.
• C. NaCl evaporates, leaving pure water behind.
• D. NaCl forms covalent bonds with water molecules.

Answer: (B)

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. When NaCl is added to water, it undergoes a process called dissociation, where the ionic bonds break due to the interaction with polar water molecules.
3. Water molecules surround the individual Na^+ and Cl^- ions in a process called hydration or solvation, stabilizing them in solution.
4. Because NaCl dissociates into free ions, these ions can move freely in the solution, allowing it to conduct electricity.
5. Therefore, the role of NaCl in an aqueous solution is to dissociate into Na^+ and Cl^- ions, which increases the solution's electrical conductivity.