ion-dipole interactions

Ion-dipole interactions occur when an ion (a charged particle) attracts a molecule that has a dipole, meaning it has a positive and a negative end. For example, in saltwater, sodium ions (Na⁺) interact with the water molecules’ negative oxygen ends, while chloride ions (Cl⁻) interact with the positive hydrogen ends. These attractions help dissolve salts in water. The strength of ion-dipole interactions depends on the charges and the size of the molecules involved, influencing processes like solubility and the behavior of solutions.