According to general solubility rules, which type of substance is water most able to dissolve?

• A. Ionic compounds such as NaCl
• B. Network solids such as SiO_2
• C. Metals such as Fe
• D. Nonpolar covalent compounds such as CCl_4

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general principle 'like dissolves like,' which means polar solvents tend to dissolve polar or ionic substances, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar substances.
2. Recognize that water is a polar molecule due to its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, resulting in a dipole moment.
3. Identify that ionic compounds, such as NaCl, consist of positive and negative ions that interact strongly with the polar water molecules, allowing them to dissolve well.
4. Understand that network solids like SiO_2 have strong covalent bonds in a rigid lattice, making them insoluble in water.
5. Note that metals like Fe and nonpolar covalent compounds like CCl_4 do not interact favorably with polar water molecules, so they are not readily dissolved by water.