Question

Why do ionic compounds dissolve in water?

Answer 1

Let me explain something: an ionic compound is a bond between a metal and a non metal.
the metal likes to lose electrons and the non metal likes to gain electrons right?

Answer 2

yeah

Answer 3

Before we go forward, would NaCl be considered an ionic compound?

Answer 4

i don't think so cuz there both metals right?

Answer 5

remember Na = sodium that's a metal and Chlorine is a non metal :)

Answer 6

ok how can i tell if its metal or non-metal ?by looking where it is on the periodic table?

Answer 7

@zaynab123 yes so group 1-2 and 3-12 are metals

Answer 8

oh ok

Answer 9

alright so the next important thing is this:

look at this. water is polar right? and ionic compounds are polar too because of the electronegativity difference between the metal and non metal.

remember like dissolves like. if you've got a polar compound it will dissolve in a polar solution

Answer 10

when we dissolve NaCl into water, it splits up into ions Na+ and Cl- ions and these ions interact with water forming well weak bonds.

Answer 11

thanks a lot :)