Problem 1
- Test level
- Multiple choice
- No calculator
- 4 pts
A neutral polar solute dissolves in water, while a nonpolar solute of similar size has low solubility under the same conditions. Which explanation best fits this comparison?
Answer
Polar groups can interact favorably with water; low nonpolar solubility does not require covalent reaction or literal repulsion by water.
Full solution
Water can form favorable interactions with charged and many polar groups.
The nonpolar comparison lacks comparable polar interactions, so the balance of interactions differs.
The observation does not show that water breaks every solute bond or that hydrophobic molecules acquire a negative charge.
Where students lose points
Hydrophobic behavior is not evidence of a new covalent bond or an assigned net charge.

