104k views
4 votes
Why are two nonpolar substances able to dissolve in each other?

2 Answers

3 votes
They have similar attractive forces in their molecules, they do not repel each other.
User Ashley Coolman
by
8.2k points
5 votes

Like dissolves like. Polar solutes dissolve in polar solvent and nonpolar solutes dissolve in nonpolar solvent.

There are electrostatic forces of attraction, hydrogen bonding and dipole dipole interaction which causes polar solutes to dissolve in polar solvents. There is van der Waals forces of attraction or London dispersion forces which causes nonpolar solutes to dissolve in nonpolar solvent.

User Mike Finch
by
8.4k points

No related questions found