why are the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule are attracted to Cl− ions in sodium chloride (NaCl)?
Like charges repel, unlike charges attract?
The attraction between the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule and the Cl− ions in sodium chloride (NaCl) can be explained by a phenomenon known as electrostatic attraction or ionic bonding.
To understand this, let's break it down step by step:
1. First, we need to understand the nature of the water molecule (H2O). It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. The oxygen atom has a partial negative charge (δ-) due to the electronegativity of oxygen, while the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges (δ+).
2. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound composed of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl−). When NaCl dissolves in water, it dissociates into individual ions.
3. In the case of Cl− ions, their negative charge makes them attracted to the positive hydrogen atoms in water through electrostatic forces. Specifically, the positively charged hydrogen atom is attracted to the negatively charged chloride ion due to the opposite charges.
4. This attraction causes the water molecules to surround and solvate the Cl− ions, creating a hydration shell. This phenomenon is essential for the dissolution and stability of ionic compounds in water.
In summary, the hydrogen atoms in water molecules are attracted to Cl− ions in sodium chloride through electrostatic forces or ionic bonding, bringing about the dissolution of NaCl in water.