Like Dissolves Like Flashcards

Question	Answer
Why can't polar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes?	The polar molecules are attracted to each other (due to electrical forces, as they are all partially charged) than to the nonpolar particles. Therefore, the polar molecules stay together and no solution results. Image: e781d511-d3ab-4706-a635-69a83a924698 (image/jpg)
Nonpolar solvents can dissolve nonpolar solutes. Why?	There are no electrical forces coming into play, so the two substances simply diffuse through one another.
Why can't nonpolar solvents dissolve polar solutes?	Polar substances stay together through electrical forces, whilst the only force attracting polar to nonpolar is gravity. Electrical forces override gravity, and polar solutes choose each other over the nonpolar solvents.
A polar solute like sucrose can dissolve in a polar solvent like water. Why?	The partially positive parts of the sucrose molecule are more attracted to the partially negative particles of the water molecules than each other.
Sucrose (C12H12O11) is a complex polar compound. Why?	The hydrogen bonds. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so the ends become partially positively charged. For more explanation, find binder.

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	Created by Shy Zvulun about 10 years ago