When an ionic compound dissolves in water, splitting into its respective ions, the positive ions will be attracted to the _________ end of the water molecule.
A. neutral
B. partially positive
C. partially negative
Positive attracts negative; negative attracts positive.
When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it dissociates into its respective ions. The positive ions, also known as cations, will be attracted to the partially negative end of the water molecule.
To understand why this happens, you need to know that a water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly than hydrogen. As a result, the oxygen atom develops a partial negative charge (δ-) while the hydrogen atoms develop partial positive charges (δ+).
Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. When an ionic compound is introduced into water, the partially negative oxygen atom of the water molecule attracts and surrounds the positive ions, which are usually metal cations.
This attraction occurs because opposite charges attract each other. The partially negative end of the water molecule attracts the positive ions, forming a hydration shell around each ion, which allows the ionic compound to dissolve in water.
Therefore, the answer is C. partially negative.