What characteristic of water helps it cause a mineral, such as halite, to dissolve?

A) the small size of the hydrogen atoms
B) the polar nature of the water molecule
C) the electronegativity of hydrogen
D) the electronegativity of oxygen
E) all of these

Polar Nature

Refers to the characteristic of molecules having electrical or magnetic polarity, with distinct positive and negative ends.

Halite

Also known as rock salt, it is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride and forms through the evaporation of saline waters.

Water Molecule

A chemical entity consisting of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms, connected by covalent bonds, essential for most forms of life.