Final answer:
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is the most soluble in water at 20°C compared to sucrose and sodium bicarbonate, due to its high solubility as an ionic compound. The correct answer is option: A. sodium hydroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following is the most soluble in water at 20°C: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Sodium hydroxide is known for its high solubility in water, with about 40 grams dissolving in only 60 grams of water at 25°C.
Considering that solubility typically increases with temperature, one can infer that its solubility at 20°C remains comparatively high. Sucrose is also highly soluble in water, but sodium hydroxide's solubility exceeds that of both sucrose and sodium bicarbonate at room temperature.
Therefore, the most soluble substance in water at 20°C would be sodium hydroxide, which is an ionic compound consisting of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) in a 1:1:1 ratio, respectively known as lye or caustic soda. T
his compound is used in various industrial processes including the production of other chemicals, such as petrochemicals and polymers, where it may also serve to neutralize acidic solutions.