Like Dissolves Like

 

 

 

Movie

"Like dissolves like" is an expression used by chemists to remember how some solvents work. It refers to "polar" and "nonpolar" solvents and solutes. Basic example: Water is polar. Oil is non polar. Water will not dissolve oil. Water is polar. Salt (NaCl) is ionic (which is considered extremely polar). Like dissolves like so polar dissolves polar so water dissolves salt.
  • Polar substances WILL dissolve in polar substances
  • Non-polar substances WILL dissolve in nonpolar substances  
  • Non-polar substances WILL NOT dissolve in polar substances. 

 

 

Molecule Ion Attraction

Induced Dipol es- Demonstrates some nonpolar substances can dissolve somewhat in water

From-http://waterontheweb.org/curricula/bs/student/oxygen/shock2.html