Answer and Explanation:
1. Solute-solute interactions:
At the atomic level, sugar molecules (solute) consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms bonded together. When sugar is added to water, the individual sugar molecules separate from each other due to the attractive forces between the sugar molecules being weaker than the attractive forces between the sugar and water molecules.
2. Solute-water interactions:
Water molecules have a polar nature, with a slightly positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slightly negative charge on the oxygen atom. When sugar is added to water, the polar water molecules surround the sugar molecules. The slightly positive hydrogen atoms of water are attracted to the slightly negative oxygen atoms of sugar, and the slightly negative oxygen atom of water is attracted to the slightly positive hydrogen atoms of sugar. This results in the sugar molecules becoming surrounded or "hydrated" by water molecules.
3. Water-water interactions:
Water molecules also interact with each other through hydrogen bonding. The slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule is attracted to the slightly negative oxygen atom of a neighboring water molecule. This creates a network of hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
In summary, at the atomic level, the dissolution of sugar in water involves solute-solute interactions where sugar molecules separate from each other, solute-water interactions where water molecules surround and interact with the sugar molecules, and water-water interactions where water molecules form a network of hydrogen bonds with each other.