Question

Choose the hydration shells that form around a potassium ion when potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves. Notice the positive, negative, and partial charges.

1) A single shell of water molecules with partial positive charges surrounding the potassium ion
2) A single shell of water molecules with partial negative charges surrounding the potassium ion
3) A double shell of water molecules with partial positive charges surrounding the potassium ion
4) A double shell of water molecules with partial negative charges surrounding the potassium ion

Answer 1

Hydration shells consisting of water molecules with partial negative charges surround potassium ions when potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

When potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves in water, hydration shells form around the potassium ions. These hydration shells consist of water molecules attracted to the charges on the ions. The positively charged potassium ion is surrounded by a single shell of water molecules with partial negative charges, while the negatively charged chloride ion attracts a single shell of water molecules with partial positive charges. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2) A single shell of water molecules with partial negative charges surrounding the potassium ion and option 1) A single shell of water molecules with partial positive charges surrounding the potassium ion.