Here's why:

* Water is polar: Water molecules have a bent shape due to the oxygen atom's higher electronegativity. This means the oxygen end of the molecule has a partial negative charge (δ-) and the hydrogen ends have partial positive charges (δ+).

* Chloride ions are negatively charged: Chloride ions (Cl-) carry a full negative charge.

* Opposite charges attract: The partial positive charges on the hydrogen ends of water molecules will be attracted to the negatively charged chloride ions.

This attraction is a key reason why salts like sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolve in water. The positive sodium ions (Na+) are attracted to the oxygen end of water molecules, while the chloride ions are attracted to the hydrogen ends. This interaction helps to break apart the ionic lattice of the salt and allow the ions to disperse in the water.