Final answer:
Ionic compounds are typically found in a solid state when not dissolved in a solvent. The solubility of these compounds depends on the balance between intrinsic electrostatic forces and the ion-dipole interactions with solvent molecules. Compounds like sodium chloride are highly soluble, while others like calcium carbonate are mostly insoluble.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ionic compounds typically exist in a solid state at room temperature when they are not dissolved. When ionic compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl) or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are immersed in a solvent like water, the process through which they might dissolve involves overcoming the electrostatic forces between the ions. In an undissolved state, these ionic solids maintain a rigid, orderly crystal lattice structure.
The solubility of an ionic compound depends on the balance between the electrostatic forces within the solid and the attractive ion-dipole forces between the ions and the water molecules. If the intrinsic electrostatic attractions within the ionic solid are too strong, or if the attractive forces with water molecules are too weak, the compound may be largely insoluble and remain as a solid. Examples of such relatively insoluble ionic compounds include calcium carbonate and iron oxide.
On the other hand, if the solvation forces provided by water are stronger, the compound can dissolve more readily, releasing ions into the solution. A commonly known soluble ionic compound is sodium chloride (table salt), which readily dissolves in water separating into sodium and chloride ions which are then surrounded by water molecules.