Here's why:
* Polarity: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a slightly positive end and a slightly negative end. Sodium chloride is an ionic compound, meaning it's made up of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-).
* Attraction: The positive ends of water molecules attract the negatively charged chloride ions, and the negative ends of water molecules attract the positively charged sodium ions.
* Dissociation: This attraction causes the sodium chloride crystals to break apart, or dissociate, into individual ions, which are then surrounded by water molecules. This process is called hydration.
The result is a homogeneous solution where the salt is evenly distributed throughout the water.
