NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

Here's what the symbols mean:

* NaCl(s): Sodium chloride in its solid state.

* Na+(aq): Sodium ions dissolved in water.

* Cl-(aq): Chloride ions dissolved in water.

Explanation:

When sodium chloride dissolves in water, the strong electrostatic attractions between the positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-) in the crystal lattice are overcome by the polar water molecules.

* Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a slightly positive end (hydrogen side) and a slightly negative end (oxygen side).

* The positive end of water molecules attracts the negatively charged chloride ions.

* The negative end of water molecules attracts the positively charged sodium ions.

This process weakens the ionic bonds in the NaCl crystal, causing the ions to break apart and become surrounded by water molecules. This process is called hydration and results in the formation of aqueous solutions of sodium and chloride ions.