Why does table salt (NaCl) dissolve readily in water?

• A. Because the polar water molecules surround and stabilize the Na+ and Cl- ions, overcoming the ionic bonds in NaCl.
• B. Because NaCl forms covalent bonds with water molecules.
• C. Because NaCl reacts chemically with water to produce a new compound.
• D. Because water is a nonpolar solvent that dissolves all ionic compounds.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that table salt (NaCl) is an ionic compound composed of Na\textsuperscript{+} and Cl\textsuperscript{-} ions held together by strong ionic bonds.
2. Recognize that water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.
3. When NaCl is added to water, the polar water molecules interact with the Na\textsuperscript{+} and Cl\textsuperscript{-} ions through electrostatic attractions, a process called hydration or solvation.
4. These interactions between water molecules and ions help to overcome the ionic bonds in the solid NaCl lattice, allowing the ions to separate and disperse throughout the solution.
5. As a result, the Na\textsuperscript{+} and Cl\textsuperscript{-} ions become surrounded and stabilized by water molecules, which is why NaCl dissolves readily in water.