"Like dissolve like" what does it means

"Like dissolves like" is a phrase commonly used in chemistry. It refers to the principle that substances have the ability to dissolve in other substances that have similar chemical properties. In other words, a substance will dissolve in a solvent if it has similar intermolecular forces or polarities.

For example, polar solvents like water are generally good at dissolving polar solutes such as sugar or salt. Nonpolar solvents, on the other hand, are better at dissolving nonpolar solutes like oil or grease. This principle is essential in understanding the solubility of different substances in various solvents.