1. Dissolving:
* Salt (sodium chloride) is a crystalline solid. When you put it in water, the water molecules surround the salt crystals.
* The positive ends of water molecules (hydrogen atoms) are attracted to the negatively charged chloride ions in the salt.
* The negative ends of water molecules (oxygen atoms) are attracted to the positively charged sodium ions in the salt.
* This attraction breaks the bonds holding the salt crystals together, causing them to dissolve.
2. Solution Formation:
* The dissolved salt ions (sodium and chloride) become surrounded by water molecules, forming a solution.
* The solution is now a homogeneous mixture, meaning the salt is evenly distributed throughout the water.
3. Changes in Properties:
* Boiling point: The boiling point of the water increases. The more salt you add, the higher the boiling point.
* Freezing point: The freezing point of the water decreases. The more salt you add, the lower the freezing point.
* Density: The density of the water increases. Salty water is denser than freshwater.
* Conductivity: The solution becomes electrically conductive because the dissolved ions can carry an electric current.
In summary:
Adding salt to water causes the salt to dissolve, creating a solution with different properties compared to pure water.