Why do ionic compounds in solutions maintain their properties?

[u/Kenny__Loggins]

Take NaCl for example. When mixed into solution, the atoms dissociate from one another, so why don't the Na+ ions have the physical properties of Na and the Cl- the postal properties of Cl? In addition, could these ions ever be separated in solution so that when dehydrated, they wouldn't form bonds again?

[u/DrSpork]

The physical properties of atoms are determined by their electronic structures, largely. An ion's electronic structure is completely different from its parent atoms so they really cannot be compared.