Question

How do intermolecular forces affect solubility?

Answer 1

Well what occurs in the act of dissolution (which sounds like an act of Parliament!)….

Explanation:

The force between molecules/particles is disrupted...and solvent-solute bonds are formed. To a first approximation, SOLUTE-SOLUTE bonds are broken...and SOLUTE-SOLVENT bonds are formed.

The greater the intermolecular force or interparticle force, the LESS the SOLUBILITY. And thus non-molecular materials, i.e. silicon dioxide, metals, ionic salts, polymers, should ALL have low intrinsic solubility.

Some solvents have an ability to dissolve ionic solids...water is one such...which CAN offer solvation to SOME ionic solutes...