Final answer:
To rank the ions in order of increasing hydration in water, the ions in the list can be arranged based on their charge and size. Ions with higher charges and smaller sizes are more strongly hydrated in water. Thus, the correct ranking is: I⁻, Br⁻, Cl⁻, F⁻.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hydration of ions in water depends on their charge and size. Generally, smaller ions are more strongly hydrated than larger ions, and ions with higher charges are more strongly hydrated than ions with lower charges. Thus, to rank the following ions in order of increasing hydration in water:
- c. I⁻ (larger size, lower charge)
- b. Br⁻ (smaller size, lower charge)
- a. Cl⁻ (smaller size, higher charge)
- d. F⁻ (smaller size, higher charge)