Solved: Explain what happens to an ionic substance when it dissolves in water

Solution 10Q

To dissolve an ionic compound, the water molecules must be able to stabilize the ions that result from breaking the ionic bond. Water is a polar molecule. ... The positive ions have several water molecules around them, all with their O atoms close to the positive ion.

The partially negative oxygen atoms in the water molecules attract the positively charged sodium ions (Na+). The ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl), or table salt, dissolves in water. The partially positive hydrogen atoms of water attract the negatively charged chloride ions (Cl−).