Multiple Choice
According to general solubility rules, which of the following groups is most soluble in water when the masses and number of carbons are equivalent?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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In the context of solubility rules, what does the phrase "like dissolves like" mean?
A
Solids always dissolve better in hot solvents than cold solvents.
B
Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes.
C
Only ionic compounds can dissolve in water.
D
Nonpolar solvents are better at dissolving ionic compounds than polar solvents.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the phrase "like dissolves like" is a general guideline in chemistry that helps predict solubility based on the polarity of substances.
Recognize that polarity refers to the distribution of electric charge around molecules; polar molecules have partial positive and negative charges, while nonpolar molecules have an even charge distribution.
Know that polar solvents, such as water, tend to dissolve polar solutes or ionic compounds because their charges interact favorably, allowing the solute to disperse in the solvent.
Similarly, nonpolar solvents, like hexane, tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes because they have similar intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces, which promote solubility.
Therefore, the phrase "like dissolves like" means that substances with similar polarity or intermolecular forces are more likely to dissolve in each other.
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