Answer:
Solvation shells
Explanation:
Ionic compounds like NaCl dissolve in polar solvents like water.
There are strong ion-dipole attractions between the ions and the water molecules.
The Na⁺ ions attract the negative oxygen atoms of water. The Cl⁻ ions attract the positive hydrogen atoms of water. The ions become surrounded by a solvation shell of water molecules.
The closer the opposite charges can get to each other, the more stable the system. That's why solvation stabilizes the ions.
