Chapter 15.1, Problem 3RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Implication of ‘like dissolves like’ has to be stated.

Concept introduction: Solution is mixture in which all components are uniformly distributed. Any solution has 2 substances: solute and solvent. For formation of solution compatibility between solute and solvent is required. Example is salt solution and sugar solution.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

Like dissolves like means polar solvents dissolves polar solutes and non polar dissolves non polar solute.

Explanation of Solution

Polar solvents like water can only dissolve polar solutes like $\text{NaCl}$ and ${\text{CH}}_3\text{OH}$ . In case of water molecules, hydrogen bonding is prevalent force between molecules to hold them together. For dissolving salt that is $\text{NaCl}$ in water, this hydrogen bond between water molecules has to be overcomed.

So basically, water dissolves polar solvents because it results into solute-solvent interactions similar to those present in pure water.

Similarly non polar solvents like benzene dissolve non polar substance like toluene.

Conclusion

Like dissolves like means polar solvents dissolves polar solutes and non polar dissolves non polar solute.