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)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When NaCl is dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. So, 1 mole of NaCl will produce 2 moles of ions. Therefore, 1 L of 1.0 M NaCl solution will contain 2 x 1.0 moles = 2.0 moles of solute particles. On the other hand, glucose does not dissociate when dissolved in water. So, 1 L of 1.0 M glucose solution will contain only 1.0 mole of solute particles. Therefore, choice C, which is 1 L of 1.0 M NaCl, will contain the greatest number of solute particles.

When an Ionic Compound Such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl)is Placed