Question

Is the dissolution of sodium chloride in water an example of chemical change?

Answer 1

`NaCl(s) stackrel(H_2O)rarrNa^+ + Cl^-`

Explanation:

`Na^+` and `Cl^-` are present in solution as their aquated ions, i.e. `[Na(OH_2)_6]^+` and `[Cl(H_2O)_(4-6)]^-` (of course, the water ligands are quite labile). Because this ionization clearly involves the formation of new substances, and the making and breaking of strong chemical bonds, this is a CLEAR example of `"chemical change."`