Which item below is NOT an example of how the general rule for dissolving works?

Question

A.
Oil and water do not mix.
B.
Oil and water mix.
C.
Water and methanol mix.
D.
Methanol and oil do not mix.
E.
Oil and grease mix.

Answer 1

The general rule for dissolving states that "like dissolves like," meaning polar solvents tend to dissolve polar solutes, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.

In this context:

• A. Oil and water do not mix. (correct)
• B. Oil and water mix. (incorrect, as they do not mix)
• C. Water and methanol mix. (correct, both are polar)
• D. Methanol and oil do not mix. (correct, as methanol is polar and oil is nonpolar)
• E. Oil and grease mix. (correct, as both are nonpolar)

The item that is NOT consistent with the general rule for dissolving is B. Oil and water mix.