Question

What must be true for a substance to be able to dissolve in water? A. The solute particles must have a strong attraction for the water particles. B. The solute must be able to react with water at the given temperature. C. There must be enough energy to break the chemical bonds in the water molecules. D. The temperature must be high enough to cause the solute to melt.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (A) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A water molecule has chemical formula as $H_{2}O$ and due to difference in the electronegativity of both hydrogen and oxygen atom there will be a partial positive charge on hydrogen atom and a partial negative charge on oxygen atom.

Hence, when a solute is dissolved in water then positive ion of solute will be surrounded from partial negative side of water molecules. And, negative ion of solute will be surrounded from partial positive side of the water molecules.

Thus, we can conclude that it is true for a substance to be able to dissolve in water that the solute particles must have a strong attraction for the water particles.

Answer 2

I think the correct answer among the choices listed above is option C. In order for a substance to be able to dissolve in water, there must be enough energy to break the chemical bonds in the water molecules. This energy between the bond of solvent molecules should be overcome by solute-solvent interaction.