When sodium is dissolved in water, why is it that the water molecules orient themselves such that their oxygen atoms are facing the sodium? Be specific.

water molecules are polar and Os are slightly negative. Na loses its electron to the nearest H and so is positive. The overall reaction is that the single electron of Na attaches to a H, breaking the bond with O. This leaves Na+ and the OH- ions in solution, while the H atoms form H2 and are released as gas.

Explanation:

if you're asking what comes out, it's steam.