Question

which is true about the dissolving process in water?
○ polar solutes do not dissolve easily in water
○ water molecules are attracted by solute ions at the surface of the solute
○ water molecules move throughout the solute
○ solute molecules pull water molecules away from the surface

Explanation:

• For the first option: Water is polar, and polar solutes dissolve easily in water (like dissolves like), so this is false.
• For the second option: In the dissolving process, at the solute's surface, solute ions (if ionic solute) or polar groups (if polar covalent solute) attract water molecules (which are polar), initiating dissolution. This is true.
• For the third option: Water molecules interact with solute at the surface first; they don't move throughout the solute (the solute dissolves and spreads, but water's interaction starts at the surface), so this is false.
• For the fourth option: It's water molecules being attracted to solute (not solute pulling water from the surface in this incorrect way); solute particles are surrounded by water, so this is false.

Answer:

B. Water molecules are attracted by solute ions at the surface of the solute