Explain how ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, is able to dissolve in water.

Dr.Bob where is the explanation?

I found this and it may answer your question.

water molecules pull apart the ammonium chloride lattice as a result of dipole - dipole interactions of the charged ions in the lattice in a reaction called hydration - the NH4Cl dissolves to yield [NH4]+ and [Cl]- ions

NH4Cl(s) ----> [NH4]+(aq) + [Cl]-(aq)

I might call them ion-dipole interactions, but othrer than that, Christina is right on!

what does it mean by lattice?

Ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, is able to dissolve in water due to the nature of its molecular structure and the intermolecular forces of attraction between its particles. To understand how it dissolves, let's break the process down.

When NH4Cl is added to water, the water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on their hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on their oxygen atoms. The NH4Cl molecules are also polar, with the nitrogen atom carrying a partial negative charge and the hydrogen atoms carrying partial positive charges.

The positive end of a water molecule, which is the hydrogen atom, is attracted to the negative charge on the chlorine ion (Cl-) of NH4Cl, while the negative end of a water molecule, the oxygen atom, is attracted to the positive charges on the four hydrogen atoms of NH4Cl.

As these attractions occur, water molecules surround each NH4Cl molecule, effectively separating the individual ions from each other. This process is called hydration, where the water molecules form a hydration shell around each ion, effectively breaking the ionic bonds within NH4Cl.

By disrupting the ionic bonds and creating favorable interactions between the water molecules and NH4Cl ions, the dissolution process occurs. The NH4Cl molecules become dispersed throughout the water, resulting in a homogeneous mixture called a solution.

It is important to note that the dissolution of NH4Cl in water is an exothermic process, meaning it releases heat energy. This is due to the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the NH4+ ion, which leads to a decrease in energy.

In summary, ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, is able to dissolve in water due to the polar nature of its molecules and the ability of water to form favorable interactions with its ions through hydration.