1. Dissolution:

* Salt dissolves in water. This means the ionic bonds holding the sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions together in the salt crystal break.

* The water molecules surround the ions, pulling them apart and into the solution. This process is called hydration.

2. Formation of an Electrolyte Solution:

* The dissolved ions, Na+ and Cl-, become free to move around in the water.

* This makes the solution an electrolyte, meaning it can conduct electricity. This is because the charged ions can carry an electric current.

3. Change in Properties:

* The solution now has a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point than pure water.

* The density of the solution also increases compared to pure water.

4. No Chemical Reaction:

* Importantly, mixing salt and water does not result in a chemical reaction. The salt simply dissolves, breaking down into its constituent ions.

In summary: Mixing salt and distilled water results in a homogeneous solution where the salt is dissolved, forming an electrolyte solution with altered physical properties.