Which statement best explains the meaning of the phrase 'like dissolves like' in the context of solubility?

• A. Solids always dissolve better in liquids than in gases.
• B. Ionic compounds dissolve only in nonpolar solvents.
• C. All solutes dissolve equally well in any solvent.
• D. Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the phrase 'like dissolves like' refers to the principle that substances with similar types of intermolecular forces or polarity tend to dissolve in each other.
2. Recognize that polar solvents have molecules with partial positive and negative charges, allowing them to interact effectively with polar solutes through dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding.
3. Know that nonpolar solvents lack significant charge separation and dissolve nonpolar solutes primarily through London dispersion forces, which are weak intermolecular forces present in all molecules but dominant in nonpolar ones.
4. Realize that ionic compounds, which are highly polar due to their charged ions, generally dissolve well in polar solvents but not in nonpolar solvents, because the solvent must stabilize the ions to dissolve them.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents tend to dissolve nonpolar solutes' best captures the meaning of 'like dissolves like' in solubility.