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)

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Identify the type of intermolecular forces present in isopropyl alcohol, which is polar and contains an OH group. These forces include hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions.

Select a solvent for isopropyl alcohol that can engage in similar intermolecular forces. A polar solvent with hydrogen bonding capability, such as water, would be appropriate.

Consider the nature of vegetable oil, which is nonpolar. The primary intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces.

Choose a solvent for vegetable oil that is also nonpolar, allowing for London dispersion forces to dominate. A nonpolar solvent like hexane would be suitable.

Examine sodium nitrate, an ionic compound. The key intermolecular forces are ion-dipole interactions.

Select a solvent for sodium nitrate that can stabilize ions through ion-dipole interactions. A polar solvent like water would be effective.

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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 forces of attraction or repulsion between molecules. They play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points. The main types of intermolecular forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces helps predict how different substances will interact when mixed.

Polarity

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. Polar molecules, like isopropyl alcohol, have a significant difference in electronegativity between their atoms, leading to a partial positive and negative charge. Nonpolar molecules, such as vegetable oil, have an even distribution of charge. The principle 'like dissolves like' indicates that polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.

Ionic Compounds and Solubility

Ionic compounds, such as sodium nitrate, consist of positively and negatively charged ions. Their solubility in solvents depends on the solvent's ability to stabilize these ions in solution. Polar solvents, particularly water, can effectively dissolve ionic compounds due to their strong dipole interactions, which help separate and surround the ions. This process is essential for understanding how ionic substances behave in different solvent environments.