Solutions of Solids Dissolved in Water How to Make Rock Candy

In a solid/liquid solution, the liquid is usually considered the solvent, regardless of the relative proportions of the components. 

A solution has at least two components. The majority component is usually called the solvent, and the minority component is called the solute. In our carbon-dioxide-and-water solution, carbon dioxide is the solute and water is the solvent. In a salt-and-water solution, salt is the solute and water is the solvent. Because water is so abundant on Earth, it is a common solvent. However, other solvents are often used in the laboratory, in industry, and even in the home, especially to form solutions with nonpolar solutes. For example, you may use paint thinner, a nonpolar solvent, to remove grease from a dirty bicycle chain or from ball bearings. The paint thinner dissolves (or forms a solution with) the grease, removing it from the metal. 

In general, polar solvents dissolve polar or ionic solutes, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. This tendency is described by the rule like dissolves like. Thus, similar kinds of solvents dissolve similar kinds of solutes. Table 13.2 lists some common polar and nonpolar laboratory solvents. 

Common Polar Solvents Common Nonpolar Solvents 

I Which compound would you expect to be least soluble in water (a) CCI4 (b) CH3CI (c) H2S (d) KF 

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