Final answer:
When the ionic compound barium iodide (BaI₂) is placed in water, it dissociates completely into Ba²⁺ and I⁻ ions which are then solvated by water molecules, evenly distributing through the solution and making BaI₂ a strong electrolyte.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the ionic compound BaI₂ (barium iodide) is added to water, it undergoes a process known as dissociation. In this process, the compound separates into its constituent ions, Ba²⁺ and I⁻. The polar water molecules interact with these ions, solvating them. This means that the water molecules surround and stabilize the ions, significantly reducing the electrostatic forces that held them together in the solid state.
The result is a uniform dispersion of the ions throughout the water, creating an ionic solution. This physical change illustrates why ionic compounds like BaI₂ are considered strong electrolytes—they dissociate completely in water, and the ions are capable of conducting electricity throughout the solution.