Question

When NaCl dissolves in water, aqueous Na+ and Cl− ions result. The force of attraction that exists between Na+ and H2O is called a(n) __________ interaction.

Answer 1

When NaCl dissolves in water, aqueous Na+ and Cl- ions result. The force of attraction that exists between Na+ and H2O is called an ion-dipole interaction.

Answer 2

When NaCl dissolves in water, aqueous $Na+$ and $Cl-$ ions result. The force of attraction that exists between $Na+$ and $H2O$ is called a(n) ion-dipole interaction.

Definition of Ion-dipole Interaction:

• An ion-dipole interaction is caused as a result of electrostatic interaction that takes place between a charged ion and a molecule that has a dipole.
• Such interactions are attractive forces and are found in solutions, in particular ionic compounds that are dissolved in polar liquids.

Process of Ion-dipole Interaction:

• Ion dipole force is caused between an ion and a neutral molecule that has a dipole.
• For example, upon an interaction between a polar water molecule and a sodium ion, ion-dipole forces will be generated. The water molecule is attracted to the positive sodium ion. This happens because of the presence of a slight negative charge in the oxygen atom of the water molecule.

As the charge on the ion increases, or as the magnitude of the dipole of polar molecule increases, the ion-dipole interactions become stronger.