An example of an alternative conception:
It is common for learners to think that NaCl molecules (or NaCl ion-pairs that behave somewjhat like molecules) exist in solid table salt, and so when salt dissolves it is the molecule (or ion pair) which is the species in solution. (If this were the case, salt solutions should not conduct electrivity aswell as they do.)
Read about a concept cartoon to explore learner thinking
This is linked to the 'molecular' framework (an alternative conceptual framework) for understanding ionic bonding, where a learner thinks ionic bonding is formed by the transfer of electrons or even that ionic bonding is the transfer of electrons between atoms.
Read about the molecular framework for (mis)understanding ionic bonding
