2006-08-02 23:59:11 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
On a molecular level, it's to do with the charges of the atoms.
Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. You will likely see that droplets will form when ethanol is mixed with a solution that has a similar charge.
2006-08-03 00:05:00 · answer #1 · answered by Brenmore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the liquid state the molecules are interacting (or it would be a gas!). Now when a solute is added some of these interactions are broken up (by the added solute) and they need to be replaced with something that is at least as favourable for a solution to be formed. So it follows that the interactions between the solvent and solute need to be similar to solvent-solvent interactions. This can happen if the chemical structure of solute and solvent are similar (water and ethanol say).
A good rule is "like dissolves like"
2006-08-03 08:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by deflagrated 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"WATER AND ETHANOL ARE COMPLETELY MISCIBLE, WHETHER THE SOLUTION BE 99% WATER AND 1% ETHANOL, 50% OF BOTH, OR 99% ETHANOL AND 1% WATER."
Since oil and water don't mix, that's probably why.
2006-08-03 07:07:26 · answer #3 · answered by susan999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋