Question

Which of these substances most likely dissolve in water? Check all that apply.

paraffin, a nonpolar organic compound

glucose, a polar organic compound

silver nitrate, an ionic compound

methane, a nonpolar organic compound

Answer 1

Glucose and silver nitrate.

- Glucose is polar and hydrogen-bonds with water, so it dissolves.
- Silver nitrate is ionic and dissociates into Ag+ and NO3− in water, so it dissolves.
- Paraffin and methane are nonpolar (paraffin is a nonpolar hydrocarbon, methane is a nonpolar gas) and are essentially insoluble in water.