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Chapter 4: Problem 15

We have learned in this chapter that many ionic solids dissolve in water as strong electrolytes; that is, as separated ions in solution. Which statement is most correct about this process? (a) Water is a strong acid and therefore is good at dissolving ionic solids. (b) Water is good at solvating ions because the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water molecules bear partial charges. (c) The hydrogen and oxygen bonds of water are easily broken by ionic solids.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The most correct statement about the process of many ionic solids dissolving in water as strong electrolytes is (b) Water is good at solvating ions because the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water molecules bear partial charges. This allows water molecules to surround and stabilize dissolved ions, forming hydration shells around them. This process is known as solvation, and it helps ionic solids dissolve in water.

Step by step solution

01

(Evaluation of Statement A)

(Statement A claims that water is a strong acid and therefore is good at dissolving ionic solids. This statement is not entirely correct. While water can act as both an acid and a base, it is considered a weak acid or base and does not play the primary role in dissolving ionic compounds.)
02

(Evaluation of Statement B)

(Statement B claims that water is good at solvating ions because the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water molecules bear partial charges. This statement is correct. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. These partial charges allow water molecules to surround and stabilize dissolved ions, forming hydration shells around them. This process is known as solvation, and it helps ionic solids dissolve in water.)
03

(Evaluation of Statement C)

(Statement C claims that the hydrogen and oxygen bonds of water are easily broken by ionic solids. This statement is not entirely accurate. When ionic compounds dissolve in water, the water molecules do not break their own internal hydrogen and oxygen bonds. Instead, they use their partial positive and negative charges to stabilize the separate ions, allowing the ionic lattice to dissolve.)
04

(Conclusion)

(Based on the analysis of the three statements, option B is the most correct statement about the process of many ionic solids dissolving in water as strong electrolytes. Water's ability to solvate ions is due to the partial charges on hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water molecules, not because it is a strong acid or because its internal bonds are easily broken by ionic compounds.)

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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