Question

what substances dissolve in water?

Answer 1

Ionic and polar compounds.

Answer 2

Sugar and Salt?

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

To determine what substances dissolve in water, we can consider the principle of "like dissolves like." Substances that possess similar polarities tend to dissolve in each other. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side (hydrogen) and a partial negative charge on the other side (oxygen). Therefore, substances that are polar or have ionic bonds are more likely to dissolve in water. Here are some common substances that dissolve in water:

1. Ionic compounds: Substances like table salt (sodium chloride), potassium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate readily dissolve in water due to the attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions and the water molecule's polarity.

2. Polar molecules: These substances have positive and negative charges within the molecule, making them capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water. Examples include ethanol, acetic acid (vinegar), and sugar.

3. Acids and bases: Many acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), dissolve in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+). Similarly, bases, like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), dissolve in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-).

4. Some gases: Certain gases, like oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), can dissolve in water to some extent due to their polarity. This is important for various biological processes, like respiration.

Remember that while these substances can dissolve in water, the rate and amount of dissolution may vary. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and concentration can influence the solubility of substances in water.