Question

When an ionic compound such as sodium chloride (NaCl) is placed in water, the component atoms of the NaCl crystal dissociate into individual sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl-). In contrast, the atoms of covalently bonded molecules (e.g. glucose, sucrose, glycerol) do not generally dissociate when placed in aqueous solution. Which of the following solutions would be expected to contain the greatest number of solute particles (molecules or ions)?A) 1 litre of 0.5 M NaClB) 1 litre of 1.0 M NaClC) 1 litre of 1.0 M glucoseD) 1 litre of 1.0 M NaCl and 1 litre of 1.0 M glucose will contain equal numbers of solute particles.

Answer 1

Answer:

1 litre of 1.0 M NaCl

Explanation:

When an ionic compound dissolves in water, it dissociates into ions. Consider the dissolution of sodium chloride in water;

NaCl(s) ------> Na^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq)

Hence, two solute particles are obtained from each formula unit of NaCl, a greater concentration of NaCl will contain a greater number of sodium an chloride ion particles.

Glucose is a molecular substance and does not dissociate in solution hence it yields a lesser number of particles in solution even at the same concentration as NaCl