1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

Choose a Page:*How does salt dissolve in water?*Where do dyes come from?What is the difference between a m...What is a molecule?How big is an atom?How does film processing work?How do detergents work?How many elements are there?Which is the most common element?What is inside a fire extinguisher?What is a polymer?What are acids used for?Are tyres made from natural rubber? How does salt dissolve in water? Common salt, the sort we put on food, is a chemical compound called sodium chloride. Salt crystals are made up of molecules of sodium chloride. Each molecule has one atom of sodium chemically bonded to one atom of chlorine. The atoms take the form of ions, which have an electric charge. Sodium ions have a positive charge and chloride atoms have a negative charge. When salt dissolves in water, the ions separate and become surrounded by molecules of water. Salt dissolves quickly in warm water, and as it does so its ions separate.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Chemistry