When a salt dissolves in water, the water molecules are attracted by the solution ions. This attraction = ?

Question

What is this attraction called?
a) atom - atom
b) molecule - molecule
c) molecule - ion
d) ion - ion
e) atom - ion

Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

c.) molecule-ion attraction

Water is a covalent compound formed by two nonmetals, so it is composed of molecules. And of course it is already given that a salt is an ion.

Just an fyi, the reason for the attraction comes from water's "dipole moment." Oxygen has a higher electronegativity (attraction to electrons in a bond) than hydrogen, and thus electrons will tend to spend most of their time near oxygen. The result is a slightly positive charge around the hydrogens in the molecule and a slightly negative charge around the oxygen.

These charges allow water to interact with ions. Cations (positive ions) are attracted to the oxygen end, whereas anions (negative ions) are attracted to the hydrogen end. This attractive force is what makes ionic compounds soluble in water.

Answer 2

I too think it is D, Ion-Ion, cause yes water is a "molecule" although the question is asking what is the attractive force, which of course is the hydrogen bonding due to the ionization of water. So maybe this question is just that simple and it is molecule - ion,, use your judgment, the ion-ion answer would not technically be wrong by any means.

Answer 3

For goodness' sake, it gives you the answer right there in the question.

"... the water MOLECULES are attracted by the solution IONS..."

Surely that at least hints to you that it's molecule - ion???

Answer 4

D. Ion Bonding

Answer 5

molecule(water) - ion(salt)