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:

1. Water is a polar - solvent. Polar solutes dissolve easily in water due to the "like - dissolves - like" principle, so the first option is false.
2. When a solute is placed in water, water molecules are attracted by solute ions (if the solute is ionic) or polar parts (if the solute is polar) at the surface of the solute. This is an important part of the dissolving process.
3. Water molecules move throughout the solute, surrounding and separating the solute particles. This is also a key aspect of the dissolving process.
4. It is the water molecules that surround and pull solute particles apart, not the other way around as stated in the fourth option.

Answer:

Water molecules are attracted by solute ions at the surface of the solute; Water molecules move throughout the solute.