Question

Which best describes why water dissolves solid ionic compounds? Water molecules contain a total of three atoms. Water molecules contain 18 total electrons. Water molecules are able to split apart in the presence of ionic compounds. Water molecules have a positively charged end and a negatively charged end.

Answer 1

water molecules have a positively charged end and a negatively charged end making them ionic

Answer 2

Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Ionic compounds are the compounds in which bond formed between the combining atoms is due to the transfer of electron(s).

An ionic solid when dissolved in water then it breaks or dissociates into its constituent particles in the form of ions.

For example, KCl will dissociate into $K^{+}$ and $Cl^{-}$ ions.

Also, due to difference in electronegativity of hydrogen and oxygen atom there will be development of partial positive charge on hydrogen atom and a partial negative charge will be developed on the oxygen atom.

This ability of water molecules make it more susceptible for solid ionic compounds to dissolve in it.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement water molecules have a positively charged end and a negatively charged end, best describes why water dissolves solid ionic compounds.