Question

Ionic bonds are formed when two opposite charged ions (formed when atoms lose or gain electrons) encounter each other. These bonds can be viewed as “extreme polar covalent bonds” as one atom is in total control of the other’s electron(s). Why are ionic bonds so much weaker when they are in water?

A.	Ionic compounds such as salts are hydrophilic, so they prefer to form bonds with water molecules over other compounds.

B.	Water molecules readily form covalent bonds to charged particles and, as these bonds are stronger than ionic bonds, the ionic bonds are pulled apart.

C.	Water molecules shorten the size of covalent bonds and this weakens ionic interactions.

D.	Water molecules readily donate electrons and nullify the positively charged ions.

E.	Polar water molecules can physically interfere with the polar (positive/ negative) charged attraction between ions and thus the ionic bonds are disrupted and weakened.