Why does a matter dissolve in another matter?

Question

I want to understand mechanism of solubility> I know "like dissolves like" i.e. polar substance will dissolve in polar and non-polar will dissolve in non-polar solvent. Can the solubility be predicted on the basis of probability of some kind of bond formation/interaction between solute and solvent?

Answer 1

It is a matter of electrical attraction.

For example, when NaCl dissolves in H2O, the Na+ and Cl- ions dissociate The Na+ ions are atracted to the Oxygen end of the water molecule and the Cl- ions are attracted to the hydrogen end. This is what dissolving is all about.