When ions or polar molecules dissolve, water molecules orient themselves according to the charge. The δ⁺ hydrogens face an anion, and the δ⁻ oxygen faces a cation. This layer of tightly bound water is the hydration shell, which isolates and stabilizes the solute in solution.
When ions or polar molecules dissolve, water molecules orient themselves according to the charge. The δ⁺ hydrogens face an anion, and the δ⁻ oxygen faces a cation. This layer of tightly bound water is the hydration shell, which isolates and stabilizes the solute in solution.