Reflection on interactions between H2O molecules and salt (NaCl) when dissolved in water:
Based on my understanding in class, when salt is placed in water, the water molecules will start to pull the sodium and chloride ions apart, breaking the ionic bond that held them together. After the salt compounds are pulled apart, the sodium and chloride atoms are surrounded by water molecules. The surrounded water molecules forms strong hydrogen bond to one another which prevents the sodium ion and chloride ion to recombine. Once this happens, the salt is dissolved, resulting in a homogeneous solution.
A video explaining the reaction is re-imagined into an analogy to help us understand better! Click the link below to watch! Enjoy!
Biochemistry: E-Portfolio 