Chapter 16.1, Problem 7LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the factors that decide whether a substance will dissolve or not.

Concept introduction: Dissolution or solvation is a process in which a solute is dissolved in a given quantity of solvent. The solute can be in a solid, liquid, or gaseous phase. When a solute is dissolved in solvent then two kinds of solution can be formed either saturated or unsaturated.

Answer to Problem 7LC

The factors that decide whether the substance dissolves or not are the chemical composition of the solute and solvent.

Explanation of Solution

Solubility is defined as the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent to make the solution saturated. The solute can be differentiated into three categories based on solubility. The three categories are as follows:

• Highly soluble.
• Sparingly soluble.
• Insoluble.

The factor that determines whether the solute will dissolve or not are as follows:

• Polarity: This happens when there is an electronegativity difference between atoms and the separation of charges takes place. A positive charge comes on one end of the molecule and a negative charge comes on the other end. Now, this polarity decides whether the substance will dissolve or not. There is a property called like dissolves hence, if solute and solvent both are polar or non-polar then, they will dissolve easily.

Conclusion

The factor that decides whether the substance dissolves or not is the chemical composition of the solute and solvent.