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How is the miscibility of a liquid with water related to the liquid's polarity?

User Logistef
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Final answer:

Liquid miscibility with water depends on the liquid's polarity; polar liquids can form hydrogen bonds with water and are typically miscible, while nonpolar liquids are not due to the lack of strong intermolecular attractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The miscibility of a liquid with water is related to the liquid's polarity. Polar molecules, which have a partial positive and negative charge, can form dipole-dipole attractions or hydrogen bonds with water, making them miscible with water. This is because water is also a polar solvent and can interact strongly with other polar substances. On the other hand, nonpolar liquids do not form these types of strong interactions with water and, as a result, are usually not miscible with water. This principle is summarized by the phrase 'like dissolves like', indicating that substances with similar polarities are more likely to be miscible.

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