WAEC Chemistry 2014 Theory — Question 24

Question 24 of 38 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry 2014 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

3(b)(i). Explain briefly why water is a good solvent for sodium chloride but not for oil.

Model answer

Water is a polar substance, and sodium chloride (an ionic compound) dissolves readily in polar solvents. Oil, on the other hand, is non-polar, and non-polar substances are not soluble/miscible in polar solvents like water.

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