Is dissolving salt in water an example of reversible?
I don't think so because once salt is in water, the water is not clear anymore. Pls help. thanks.
Yes, it is reversible. One ca physically separate the salt and water (evaporation)
What do you mean by not clear? When salt dissolves in water there is no turbidity and the solution is colorless. I don't believe you can look at two glasses of water, one with salt dissolved in it and the other with no salt, and distinguish between the two. Taste would tell you but not by vision alone.
Yes, you're right that dissolving salt in water may create a transparent solution that can appear different from pure water due to its taste. However, the process of dissolving salt in water is indeed reversible. Let me explain further:
When salt (sodium chloride - NaCl) is added to water, the sodium and chloride ions separate from each other due to the polar nature of water molecules. The water molecules surround the ions and form a hydration shell, essentially pulling them apart and dispersing them evenly throughout the solution.
To reverse this process and separate the salt from the water, you can use evaporation. By heating the saltwater solution, you can convert the liquid water into vapor, leaving the solid salt behind. The vapor is then collected and cooled, condensing it back into liquid water, which can be reused. The salt remains in its solid form.
This demonstrates the reversibility of dissolving salt in water. By changing certain conditions, in this case, temperature, you can separate the components and obtain both salt and water again.
Though the clarity of the liquid may change upon dissolving salt, it's important to distinguish between physical changes or alterations in appearance and the actual ability to reverse the process. In this case, dissolving salt in water is indeed reversible through the process of evaporation.