Question

How do nonpolar molecules dissolve in nonpolar solvents? (How do they bond together)

Answer 1

Nonpolar molecules dissolve in nonpolar solvents through intermolecular interactions such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. If the solute and solvent have similar intermolecular forces, the solute will likely dissolve in the solvent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nonpolar molecules dissolve in nonpolar solvents through intermolecular interactions. The intermolecular interactions include London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. If molecules of a solute experience the same intermolecular forces as the solvent, the solute will likely dissolve in the solvent. For example, nonpolar wax dissolves in nonpolar hexane but not in polar water.

Answer 2

Nonpolar molecules dissolve in nonpolar solvents through a process called dispersion forces or London forces.

In nonpolar molecules, the electrons are evenly distributed and there is no permanent dipole moment, which means that the molecule has no positive or negative poles. When nonpolar molecules are added to a nonpolar solvent, such as oil or hexane, the molecules are attracted to one another due to London dispersion forces.

London forces are due to temporary fluctuations in electron density within molecules, creating temporary dipoles. These temporary dipoles induce corresponding temporary dipoles in other nearby molecules, attracting them to each other. The strength of the London dispersion forces increases with the size of the molecule, since larger molecules have more electrons and a greater potential for temporary dipoles.

In general, nonpolar molecules bind together in nonpolar solvents through these weak intermolecular forces, allowing them to dissolve and form a homogeneous solution.

Step-by-step explanation: