In the context of solubility rules, what does the phrase 'like dissolves like' mean?

• A. Ionic compounds can only dissolve in nonpolar solvents.
• B. Nonpolar solvents are better at dissolving ionic compounds than polar solvents.
• C. Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes.
• D. All solutes dissolve equally well in any solvent.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the phrase 'like dissolves like' is a general guideline in chemistry that describes the solubility behavior of substances based on their polarity.
2. Recognize that 'like' refers to the similarity in polarity between the solute and the solvent: polar substances tend to dissolve well in polar solvents, and nonpolar substances tend to dissolve well in nonpolar solvents.
3. Recall that polar solvents have molecules with partial positive and negative charges, which interact favorably with polar solutes or ionic compounds, helping them to dissolve.
4. Note that nonpolar solvents lack significant charge separation and are better at dissolving nonpolar solutes due to similar intermolecular forces (like London dispersion forces).
5. Conclude that the phrase means the solubility of a substance depends on the similarity of intermolecular forces between solute and solvent, making the statement 'Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes' the correct interpretation.