Which type of solvent will mix with water?

The correct choice is based on the principle of polarity in chemistry. Polar solvents are characterized by their ability to dissolve ionic and other polar substances due to their molecular structure, which features an uneven distribution of electric charge. This allows polar solvents, such as water, to interact with other polar molecules, enabling them to mix effectively.

The reason polar solvents mix well with water is that "like dissolves like" - polar solvents will typically mix with other polar substances, while non-polar solvents do not have the same capacity to dissolve polar substances because they lack the necessary charge differences that facilitate mixing and interaction. Non-polar solvents, such as oils and hydrocarbons, do not interact favorably with water and thus do not mix.

The phrase "Only water-soluble solvents" may sound appealing, but it lacks clarity. Water-soluble solvents classify underneath the broader category of polar solvents, indicating that they have specific properties that allow them to dissolve in water. However, asserting that only these solvents can mix with water ignores the essential fact that polar solvents encompass a wider range of substances beyond just those deemed water-soluble.

Therefore, polar solvents are the only ones that will mix with water, which makes the understanding of their molecular interactions crucial in various applications, from chemical