Multiple Choice
When aqueous solutions of strontium bromide (SrBr_2) and potassium sulfate (K_2SO_4) are mixed, which compound will precipitate as a solid?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solubility Rules
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Which of the following solvents would be best to dissolve pentane?
A
Acetone
B
Ethanol
C
Hexane
D
Water
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the principle 'like dissolves like,' which means that solvents tend to dissolve solutes with similar polarity. Nonpolar solutes dissolve best in nonpolar solvents, and polar solutes dissolve best in polar solvents.
Step 2: Identify the polarity of pentane. Pentane is a hydrocarbon and is nonpolar because it consists mainly of C-H bonds, which have very little difference in electronegativity.
Step 3: Analyze the polarity of the given solvents: Acetone is polar aprotic, Ethanol is polar protic, Water is highly polar protic, and Hexane is nonpolar.
Step 4: Compare the polarity of pentane with each solvent. Since pentane is nonpolar, it will dissolve best in a nonpolar solvent, which is hexane in this list.
Step 5: Conclude that hexane is the best solvent to dissolve pentane because both are nonpolar, allowing for stronger intermolecular interactions and better solubility.
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