TED-Ed: Why don't oil and water mix? - John Pollard

The video explains why salt dissolves in water while oil does not, focusing on the concepts of energetics and entropy. Energetics involves the attractive forces between molecules, while entropy refers to the randomness of molecular arrangements. Water molecules engage in a hydrogen bonding network, favoring the inclusion of salt ions, which dissolve and integrate into the water. In contrast, oil molecules, due to their size and structure, disrupt the water's molecular dance, leading to their exclusion. The balance of molecular interactions and configurations determines whether substances mix.

What are the two main factors that determine whether substances mix in water?

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Explain how energetics influence the behavior of salt in water.

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Describe the role of entropy in the mixing of substances in water.

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What happens to salt ions when they are added to water?

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Why do oil molecules struggle to mix with water?

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How does the size of oil molecules affect their interaction with water?

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In what way do the interactions between molecules dictate mixing behavior?

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