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If Na+ and Cl- separate completely in water, why does salt-water still taste like salt?
I know that Na and Cl are able to separate as ions in water. But if they are separate, why does it still taste like salt?
3 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavourite answer
This is a "I could kick myself" answer!
Salt water does NOT taste like salt! Neither does salt for that matter :D
The same way the Na+ and Cl- completely separate in your glass of water, they also do on your tongue or in your food! None of us will ever know what "Salt" or NaCl tastes like. Tasting anything requires water and that dissolves salt on contact.
As a salt lover I am thankful for that.
God Bless brother.
- 1 decade ago
"Both Na+ and Cl- cause a taste in water. EPA has identified a concentration of over 250 mg/L of either Na+ & Cl- as a concentration which can be expected to impart a "salt" taste to drinking water. Typically chloride has the stronger taste response. This level is based on aesthetic concerns and is only advisory in the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act program."
from the source below.
- 1 decade ago
The ions will separate completely when there's an equal concentration of salt with dissolving solution. This is referred to as an homeostatic state. When the dissociation reaction is shifted towards the left (SEE DIAG BELOW) favoring the products, then there will be salt present.
NaCl <=> Na+ + Cl- normal dissociation reaction
NaCl<- Na+ + Cl- half reaction is shifted to favor the products
