Question

Which is true about the dissolving process in water?
Nonpolar solutes dissolve easily in water.
Solute molecules surround water molecules.
Molecules or ions of a solute spread throughout the water molecules.
Water molecules are repelled by solute ions at the surface of the solute.

Answer 1

"Molecules or ions of a solute spread throughout the water molecules." — True.

Brief clarifications:
- Nonpolar solutes do not dissolve easily in water (water is polar — "like dissolves like").
- Water molecules surround (solvate/hydrate) solute ions or polar molecules, not the other way around.
- Water molecules are attracted to solute ions at the surface, not repelled.