Why does NaCl dissolve in water?

Answer 1

Because the lattice enthalpy of sodium chloride is almost precisely balanced by the hydration energy.

We represent the dissolution of sodium chloride in water in this way:

#NaCl(s) rarr Na^(+)(aq) + Cl^(-)(aq)#

#(aq)# stands for the aquated ion, because each ion is solvated by, or aquated by, up to 6 water molecules. The lattice energy of sodium chloride (which is the energy released when the lattic forms) is almost precisely balanced by the hydration energy, when the water solvent molecules hydrate the #Na^+# and #Cl^-# ion. This equivalence is why the dissolution is thermodynamically feasible.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Luna Chen

NaCl dissolves in water due to its ionic nature. When NaCl is added to water, the polar water molecules surround the ions (Na+ and Cl-) and break the ionic bonds holding the compound together. This process, called hydration or solvation, allows the individual ions to be surrounded and dispersed throughout the water, resulting in the formation of a homogeneous solution.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.