大象传媒

An introduction to solvents, soluble materials and insoluble materials. Nail varnish is insoluble in water but will dissolve in a chemical called propanone or acetone. A liquid that will dissolve something is called a solvent.

A certain dye is shown not to dissolve in water, the most common solvent. No matter how much the dye is stirred into the water, it will not mix at all. Ethanol is another example of a solvent. Dye is added to the chemical solution and it becomes coloured and clear. Clay will not dissolve in water - it is insoluble. It mixes with the water but the mixture stays cloudy.