Indicate the type of solute–solvent interaction that should be most important in each of the following solutions: c. KBr in water,

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds, like KBr, consist of positively and negatively charged ions. When dissolved in water, these ions separate and interact with water molecules, which is crucial for understanding solute-solvent interactions. The strength of these interactions influences the solubility and behavior of the ionic compound in the solution.

Hydration

Hydration refers to the process where water molecules surround and interact with solute ions. In the case of KBr in water, the polar water molecules stabilize the separated K+ and Br- ions through ion-dipole interactions, which are essential for dissolving ionic substances in polar solvents like water.

Solubility Principles

The principle of 'like dissolves like' is fundamental in chemistry, indicating that polar solvents dissolve polar solutes effectively. Since water is a polar solvent, it is particularly effective at dissolving ionic compounds such as KBr, where the strong interactions between the ions and water molecules lead to high solubility.