Why are some substances not able to dissolve in water?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The solute and solvent are not able to react together.

 The attraction between the solute and solvent is not very strong.

 The chemical bonds in the solvent are too strong to be broken.

 The attraction between the solute and solvent particles is too strong to mix.

sweetburger · Answer

B.

abb0t · Answer

Can you explain why the answer is "B" @sweetburger

sweetburger · Answer

It has to do with the intermolecular forces of the 2 substances. H2O experiences strong Hydrogen intermolecular bonding and something nonpolar such as maybe ethane only experiences weak london dispersion forces so there will be a major difference in attraction
@abb0t  I'll let you elaborate as I'm not sure if what i said is totally true

abb0t · Answer

You're correct, for the most part.