To describe how an ionic compound dissolves (or dissociates) in a polar solvent, here are three key points:
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Polar Nature of Solvent: Polar solvents, like water, have molecules with partial positive and negative charges due to differences in electronegativity. This polarity allows them to interact effectively with ionic compounds, which consist of positively and negatively charged ions.
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Attraction and Dissociation: When an ionic compound is introduced to a polar solvent, the solvent molecules surround the individual ions. The positive ends of the polar solvent molecules are attracted to the negatively charged ions, while the negative ends are attracted to the positively charged ions. This attraction helps to overcome the ionic bonding forces between the oppositely charged ions in the solid lattice structure, leading to the dissociation of the ionic compound into its constituent ions.
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Solvation Process: As the ions dissociate, they become surrounded by the polar solvent molecules. This process is known as solvation (or hydration when water is the solvent). The solvation stabilizes the ions in solution, allowing the ionic compound to remain dissolved and preventing the ions from recombining while in the solvent.
In summary, the polar nature of the solvent facilitates the dissociation of ionic compounds through the attraction of oppositely charged ions and the stabilization of those ions in solution.