Question

ionic solids are often water soluble, because the ions solvate very well in water as a solvent. given the list of options, select the correct answer to this question: if you needed an insulating material that you were sure would not be water soluble, which of the following would you not pick (these are all insulating materials, or are at least poor conductors)? assume that more ionic binding results in higher water solubility. sio₂ c (diamond) nio kcl dont test me yet, i am trying to gain an understanding before attempting this question.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall solubility rules

Ionic compounds with alkali - metal cations (like K⁺) are usually soluble in water. KCl is an ionic compound with K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions and is water - soluble.

Step2: Analyze NiO

NiO is an ionic solid. Metal oxides are generally insoluble in water, and NiO is no exception.

Step3: Analyze diamond (C)

Diamond is a covalent network solid. It has a three - dimensional network of covalent bonds and does not dissolve in water as there are no ions to solvate.

Step4: Analyze SiO₂

SiO₂ is a covalent network solid. It has strong Si - O covalent bonds in a three - dimensional network and is insoluble in water.

Answer:

C (diamond), SiO₂, NiO