Final answer:
Chloride ions (Cl-) become hydrated in water as the polar water molecules, attracted to the ions' negative charge, surround them. This process leads to the dissolution of compounds like KCl into their constituent ions, which are then evenly dispersed to form a homogeneous solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When chloride ions (Cl-) are in between water molecules, they become hydrated, which means water molecules surround the ions. This occurs because the polar water molecules are attracted to the negative charge of the chloride ions. The positive (hydrogen) end of the water molecules are closer to the chloride ions. In the process of dissolution, the ion-dipole forces facilitate the penetration of water molecules between the K+ and Cl- ions, which are initially part of a solid like potassium chloride (KCl). This penetration weakens the electrostatic attractions in the crystal lattice, allowing the chloride ions to separate and become solvated by water molecules. This results in the ions being evenly dispersed in the water, creating a homogeneous solution.