Which of these best explains why the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule are attracted to Cl− ions in sodium chloride (NaCl)?

The hydrogen atoms have +1 charges.
The hydrogen atoms share electrons equally with the oxygen atom.
The hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges.
The hydrogen atoms form covalent bonds with the chloride ions.

Question

Which of these best explains why the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule are attracted to Cl− ions in sodium chloride (NaCl)?
 
  
 The hydrogen atoms have +1 charges. 
 The hydrogen atoms share electrons equally with the oxygen atom. 
 The hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges. 
 The hydrogen atoms form covalent bonds with the chloride ions.

anonymous · Answer

A) Hydrogen atoms have a plus one charge. When a salt (like NaCl) dissolves in water, the huge matrix of Cl- and Na+ ions dissasociate. They attract hydrogen and oxygen according to their charge more strongly than water is attracted to itself. Oxygen binds several (up to 4) Na+'s as well