Final answer:
The formation of substitutional solid solutions depends more on atomic size compatibility and lattice structure than on the electronegativity difference between solute and solvent.
Electronegativity plays a role in the type of bonding but does not determine the formation of solid solutions. Other factors like lattice energy and dispersion forces are crucial in the solubility of compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the larger the difference in electronegativity between solute and solvent atoms, the higher the tendency it has to form a substitutional solid solution is not necessarily true. In chemistry, the term 'substitutional solid solution' typically refers to a type of solid solution in which the atoms of the solute replace or substitute the atoms of the solvent in the lattice structure.
The formation of a substitutional solid solution is primarily governed by the size of the solute atoms in comparison to the solvent atoms, rather than their difference in electronegativity.
Electronegativity differences do play a role in the types of bonding that can occur between atoms: as the electronegativity difference increases, the bond can become more ionic in character. However, this does not directly translate to the formation of substitutional solid solutions.
Other factors such as lattice energy and the size of the atoms are more critical in determining the solubility of compounds and the formation of solid solutions.
The boiling point of a solution with a nonvolatile solute is always greater than the boiling point of the pure solvent, and the solubility of ionic substances in a solvent like water can be influenced by lattice energy, ion size, charge, and polarizability.
Larger and heavier atoms and molecules exhibit stronger dispersion forces, and their increased size can affect whether they are more likely to form substitutional solid solutions. Thus, the formation of substitutional solid solutions is a complex process that depends on several variables rather than just electronegativity difference alone.