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Ch.13 - Solutions
All textbooksTro 4th EditionCh.13 - SolutionsProblem 30b
Chapter 13, Problem 30b

Pick an appropriate solvent from Table 13.3 to dissolve each substance. State the kind of intermolecular forces that would occur between the solute and solvent in each case. b. sodium chloride (ionic)

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Identify the type of solute: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, which means it consists of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-).
Understand solubility principles: According to the principle 'like dissolves like', ionic and polar solutes are best dissolved in polar solvents. This is because polar solvents can stabilize the ions that form when the ionic compound dissociates.
Choose an appropriate solvent: From Table 13.3, look for solvents that are highly polar. Water (H2O) is a common polar solvent that is very effective at dissolving ionic compounds like sodium chloride.
Explain the intermolecular forces: In the case of sodium chloride in water, the intermolecular forces involved are ion-dipole interactions. The positive end of the water molecule (hydrogen) will be attracted to the chloride ions, and the negative end (oxygen) will be attracted to the sodium ions.
Visualize the dissolution process: When NaCl is added to water, the water molecules surround each ion, reducing the electrostatic attraction between Na+ and Cl- and allowing them to move freely in solution, thus resulting in the dissolution of sodium chloride.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces between molecules that influence physical properties such as boiling and melting points. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting how substances will interact with each other, particularly in solutions.
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Solubility Principles

Solubility principles dictate that 'like dissolves like,' meaning polar solvents are effective at dissolving polar solutes, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. This concept is essential for selecting an appropriate solvent for a given solute, as the nature of the solute's intermolecular forces will determine its compatibility with the solvent.
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Ionic Compounds in Solution

Ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride, dissociate into their constituent ions when dissolved in polar solvents like water. The strong electrostatic forces between the ions and the polar water molecules lead to the formation of ion-dipole interactions, which are critical for the solvation process. This understanding helps in predicting the behavior of ionic substances in various solvents.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Pick an appropriate solvent from Table 13.3 to dissolve each substance. State the kind of intermolecular forces that would occur between the solute and solvent in each case. a. motor oil (nonpolar) b. ethanol (polar, contains an OH group) c. lard (nonpolar) d. potassium chloride (ionic)

Textbook Question

Pick an appropriate solvent from Table 13.3 to dissolve each substance. State the kind of intermolecular forces that would occur between the solute and solvent in each case. a. isopropyl alcohol (polar, contains an OH group) c. vegetable oil (nonpolar) d. sodium nitrate (ionic)

Textbook Question

Which molecule would you expect to be more soluble in water: CH3CH2CH2OH or HOCH2CH2CH2OH?

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Textbook Question

For each compound, would you expect greater solubility in water or in hexane? Indicate the kinds of intermolecular forces that occur between the solute and the solvent in which the molecule is most soluble. a. glucose

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