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, each contributing one particle to the solution. Therefore, a 1.0 M solution of NaCl would contain twice as many solute particles as a 1.0 M solution of glucose, which does not dissociate. A 0.5 M solution of NaCl would contain fewer solute particles than a 1.0 M solution of NaCl, so option A is not the correct answer. Option D is incorrect because 1 litre of glucose solution cannot be compared to 1 litre of a solution containing both glucose and NaCl. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

When an Ionic Compound Such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Is