Why Some Substances Dissolve Better

Some substances dissolve easily in one solvent but not in another. A quick way to predict solubility is the idea that "like dissolves like." Polar substances, such as salt and sugar, dissolve well in polar solvents like water. Non-polar substances are more soluble in non-polar solvents such as carbon tetrachloride....

A solution is a homogenous mixture of two components. The major component is called the solvent, while the minor component is called the solute.

Depending on the physical state of the solvent, a solution can be a solid, such as an alloy like brass, gaseous, such as air, and liquid, such as a saline solution.

Liquid solutions can al...