Question

which is true about the dissolving process in water?
○ nonpolar solutes dissolve easily in water.
○ solute molecules surround water molecules.
○ molecules or ions of a solute spread throughout the water molecules.
○ water molecules are repelled by solute ions at the surface of the solute.

Explanation:

• For the first option: Water is a polar molecule, and nonpolar solutes do not dissolve easily in polar solvents like water (like dissolves like principle), so this is false.
• For the second option: In the dissolving process, water molecules surround solute molecules (or ions), not the other way around, so this is false.
• For the third option: During dissolution, the solute's molecules or ions disperse (spread) uniformly among the water molecules, which is the correct description of the dissolving process.
• For the fourth option: Water molecules are attracted to solute ions (especially in ionic solutes) at the solute's surface, not repelled, as the polar water molecules interact with charged ions, so this is false.

Answer:

C. Molecules or ions of a solute spread throughout the water molecules.