Final answer:
To mix a solvent and solute, one must overcome the intermolecular forces between both solute and solvent particles. Similar intermolecular forces lead to solubility as the energy needed to mix must be compensated by the energy released during solvation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To facilitate a solvent and solute mixing, one must overcome the intermolecular forces between the solvent molecules, as well as between the solute molecules. This involves breaking the original intermolecular attractions within the solute (solute-solute forces) and the solvent (solvent-solvent forces). Once these forces are overcome, new intermolecular attractions develop between the solute and solvent molecules (solute-solvent forces).
Substances with similar types of intermolecular forces are more likely to dissolve in each other, following the rule of thumb 'like dissolves like.' For a substance to be soluble, the energy required to separate the solute and solvent particles must be less than or comparable to the energy released during solvation, when solute-solvent attractions are established. If the energy required is too great, the substances will not form a solution.