Student question: For each solute, identify the better solvent: water or carbon tetrachloride.
To determine the better solvent for a given solute, consider the general rule "like dissolves like." This means that polar solutes dissolve well in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes dissolve well in nonpolar solvents.
Water (H2O) is a polar solvent, while carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a nonpolar solvent.
1. If the solute is polar, water (H2O) would be the better solvent.
2. If the solute is nonpolar, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) would be the better solvent.
Remember to identify the solute's polarity first, and then use the "like dissolves like" principle to choose the appropriate solvent.