Which statement accurately describes part of the dissolving process of a polar solute in water?

• A. Polar solute particles form covalent bonds with water molecules during dissolution.
• B. The solute dissolves only if the water temperature is above 100 °C.
• C. Water molecules surround the polar solute particles, forming hydration shells through dipole-dipole interactions.
• D. Water molecules repel polar solute particles, preventing dissolution.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dissolving a polar solute in water involves interactions between the solute particles and water molecules.
2. Recall that water is a polar solvent, meaning it has partial positive and negative charges due to its molecular structure.
3. Recognize that polar solute particles interact with water molecules primarily through dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding, not by forming covalent bonds.
4. Know that during dissolution, water molecules surround the solute particles, creating hydration shells that stabilize the solute in solution.
5. Conclude that the correct description of the dissolving process is that water molecules surround the polar solute particles, forming hydration shells through dipole-dipole interactions.