Like Dissolves Like

Dissolving is the process where a substance (also called the solute) is broken down in another substance (called the solvent). It forms a homogeneous solution which will never settle. In the case of water, a polar solvent (the universal solvent), it can dissolve other polar compounds and ionic compounds. Likewise, nonpolar solvents can dissolve nonpolar solutes. This principle is called 'like dissolves like', where similar compounds will dissolve other similar compounds.

Below, salt, an ionic solute, is being dissolved by water, the polar solvent.



Alka-seltzer is a solute which also dissolves in water.