Final answer:
A solvent will dissolve more solute if it has a similar molecular structure to the solute, due to stronger intermolecular attractions that match between the two, following the 'like dissolves like' rule. Therefore, correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
A solvent with a structure similar to that of the solute will dissolve more solute than will solvents with dissimilar structures. What occurs at the molecular level to cause a solute to dissolve in a solvent is largely due to the strength of attractions between solute and solvent particles.
This is often described by the rule 'like dissolves like', which suggests that substances with similar intermolecular attractions are more likely to form solutions.
When a solute and solvent have similar intermolecular forces—such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding—they are more likely to be miscible, meaning they can mix in any proportion to form a solution.
Conversely, substances that do not have similar intermolecular forces are considered immiscible and do not dissolve well in each other. For example, the very polar substance NaCl dissolves well in polar water but not in nonpolar oil, whereas nonpolar wax dissolves in nonpolar hexane but not in polar water.