Which of the following statements best describes what happens when a small amount of solid potassium chloride is dissolved in water?
A) The heat from the warm water melts the solid,making it a liquid.
B) Nothing happens,because potassium chloride is insoluble in water.
C) The solid KCl breaks apart into separate K and Cl atoms by interacting with the water molecules.
D) The water molecules surround each ion in the solid KCl,separating the K ions from the Cl ions.
E) The solid undergoes a chemical change by reacting with the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When solid potassium chloride is dissolved in water, the water molecules surround each ion in the solid KCl, separating the K ions from the Cl ions. This process is known as hydration and is a physical change, not a chemical one. KCl is a highly soluble ionic compound in water, so it readily dissociates into K+ and Cl- ions when it comes into contact with water.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes What Happens When