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Multiple Choice
Which principle best explains why some solutes are soluble in water while others are soluble in cyclohexane?
A
Solubility depends only on the temperature of the solvent.
B
Solubility is determined solely by the size of the solute molecules.
C
Like dissolves like: polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes dissolve in nonpolar solvents.
D
All solutes are equally soluble in any solvent regardless of their polarity.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that solubility is influenced by the interactions between solute and solvent molecules, not just temperature or size alone.
Recall the principle 'like dissolves like,' which means that polar solutes tend to dissolve well in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes tend to dissolve well in nonpolar solvents.
Recognize that water is a polar solvent, so it dissolves polar solutes effectively due to strong dipole-dipole and hydrogen bonding interactions.
Note that cyclohexane is a nonpolar solvent, so it dissolves nonpolar solutes well because of favorable dispersion forces and minimal polarity mismatch.
Conclude that the best explanation for solubility differences between water and cyclohexane is the polarity compatibility between solute and solvent, summarized by the 'like dissolves like' principle.