Final answer:
Polar solvents are capable of dissolving polar solutes, such as water dissolving salt. Nonpolar solvents cannot dissolve polar solutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents.
Polar solvents have molecules with a separation of positive and negative charges. They are capable of forming hydrogen bonds and have dipole-dipole interactions. Examples of polar solvents include water (H2O), methanol (CH3OH), and ethanol (C2H5OH).
Nonpolar solvents, on the other hand, do not dissolve polar solutes. Nonpolar solvents have no or very weak dipole-dipole interactions. Examples of nonpolar solvents include hexane (C6H14), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and benzene (C6H6).