Oppositely Charged Ions in Solution are Prevented from Combining By

Question

Oppositely charged ions in solution are prevented from combining by
A) heat capacity of water.
B) hydration spheres.
C) water's nonpolar nature.
D) free radicals.
E) hydrogen bonding.

Accepted Answer

Oppositely charged ions in solution are surrounded by a layer of water molecules called a hydration sphere. These water molecules orient themselves with their polar ends towards the ions, effectively preventing the ions from coming into contact and forming a solid precipitate. This process is known as hydration or solvation.