Sodium chloride is composed of molecules that are stable when dry. In the presence of water, however, the atoms of the molecules separate from each other. What type of chemical bond holds the dry substance together?
A) hydrogen bonds
B) ionic bonds
C) nonpolar covalent bonds
D) polar covalent bonds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride is held together by ionic bonds, which are formed between a positively charged ion (sodium) and a negatively charged ion (chloride). In the dry state, the ions are locked in a lattice structure and cannot separate, but when water is added, the polar nature of water molecules allows them to break apart the lattice and separate the ions.

Sodium Chloride Is Composed of Molecules That Are Stable When