Indicate the principal type of solute–solvent interaction in each of the following solutions and rank the solutions from weakest to strongest solute–solvent interaction: (a) KCl in water

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of solute and solvent: KCl is an ionic compound, and water is a polar solvent.
2. Determine the principal type of interaction: In a solution of KCl in water, the principal interaction is ion-dipole interaction. This occurs because the positive and negative ions of KCl interact with the partial negative and positive charges of the water molecules, respectively.
3. Consider the strength of ion-dipole interactions: Ion-dipole interactions are generally strong because they involve the attraction between charged ions and polar molecules.
4. Compare with other types of interactions: Ion-dipole interactions are typically stronger than dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding, but weaker than covalent or ionic bonds.
5. Rank the interaction: Since the problem only provides one solution, KCl in water, it is ranked based on the strength of ion-dipole interactions, which are strong compared to other solute-solvent interactions.

Key Concepts

Ion-Dipole Interactions

Ion-dipole interactions occur between an ion and a polar molecule, such as water. In the case of KCl dissolved in water, the potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) ions interact with the dipole of water molecules, leading to strong solvation. This type of interaction is crucial for understanding how ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents.

Solvation

Solvation is the process by which solvent molecules surround and interact with solute particles. In the context of KCl in water, solvation involves water molecules forming a hydration shell around the K+ and Cl- ions, stabilizing them in solution. This process is essential for the dissolution of ionic compounds and affects the overall solute-solvent interaction strength.

Ranking Solute-Solvent Interactions

Ranking solute-solvent interactions involves comparing the strength of different types of interactions present in various solutions. In this case, KCl in water exhibits strong ion-dipole interactions, which are typically stronger than hydrogen bonding or van der Waals forces found in other solutions. Understanding this ranking helps predict the behavior of solutes in different solvents.