Question

What is the correct understanding of water solubility, and how does it differ from the misconception described in the passage?

a. Water solubility involves breaking down molecules into atoms.
b. Water-soluble substances dissolve in water without breaking molecular bonds.
c. DNA's spiral shape protects hydrophobic bases from water.
d. Hydrophilic molecules dissociate in water, contrary to the misconception.

Answer 1

Water solubility is the process by which water-soluble substances dissolve in water without breaking their molecular bonds, due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between water and the solute.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct understanding of water solubility is that it involves the process of a solute dissolving in water due to the attraction between the solute and water molecules, without breaking the molecular bonds within the solute. Thus, the correct answer is that water-soluble substances dissolve in water without breaking molecular bonds.

Water is an excellent solvent for polar molecules and ionic compounds due to its own polar nature, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with solutes creating a sphere of hydration that keeps the solute particles separated and dispersed in solution.