How many components are in the mixture of NaCl (aq) and NaCl (s)?

Question

are there three when we count also the water or 2

Answer 1

You are missing the Na+ and the Cl- components.  Recall that this ionic compound dissociates in water.  the Na+ ions are surrounded (hydrated) by water molecules with the O of each molecule facing each Na+.  Likewise, the Cl- ions are surrounded by water molecules with an H of each facing the Cl-.

Answer 2

Well, this is really a matter of what you consider a "component".  The NaCl(aq) can be considered 1 component, or two because it actually exists as Na⁺ and Cl^- ions (2 components).  If the NaCl(s) is indeed a solid, and none is dissolved, then it would be 1 component.  Now, water has the same issue as NaCl(aq) because water can ionize (very slightly) to H⁺ and OH^- ions.  So, is water 1 component (H₂O) or 2 components (H⁺ and OH^-)?

 

My answer would be 3 components counting NaCl(aq), NaCl(s) and H₂O(l).