What happens to ionic compounds when they are dissolved in water?

When ionic compounds dissolve in water, they dissociate into individual ions. This process occurs because the polar nature of water molecules interacts with the positive and negative ions in the ionic compound. The partially charged ends of water molecules surround the ions, effectively pulling them apart and allowing them to move freely within the solution.

This ability to dissociate into ions is significant because it explains the conductivity of ionic solutions and how these ions can participate in various chemical reactions and processes in solution. The dissociation of ionic compounds is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes them from covalent compounds, which typically do not break apart into ions when dissolved in water.