Final answer:
The ability for pesticides to dissolve is described by their solubility (option c) , which is the extent to which they can form a homogeneous mixture in a solvent such as water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term you're looking for that describes the ability for pesticides to dissolve is solubility. Solubility is the maximum concentration of a substance that can be achieved under specified conditions. For instance, if a pesticide is highly soluble, it can dissolve in a solvent such as water to a great extent, forming a homogeneous mixture.
Conversely, when the concentration of the substance in the solvent exceeds its solubility, the substance will begin to precipitate, forming a heterogeneous mixture with undissolved particles.
An example of solubility is seen when silver chloride (AgCl) dissolves in water to form a saturated solution:
AgCl(s) → Ag+ (aq) + Cl-(aq)
This equilibrium is crucial for understanding not only pesticides but also many natural and technological processes like water purification.