Question

Ionic compounds are soluble in water but insoluble in kerosene because:

• A. Kerosene is lighter than water.
• B. Water is polar and kerosene is non polar.
• C. Kerosene is polar and water is non polar.
• D. Electrostatic or ionic forces are weak.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Water is polar and kerosene is non polar.

Water is a polar covalent compound. It decreases the electrostatic forces of attraction, resulting in free ions in aqueous solution. Hence, ionic compounds dissolve in water. Kerosene is a non-polar organic solvent and dissolves non-polar covalent compounds.