What part of the statement below is incorrect? Rewrite the statement such that it displays the correct reasoning behind why nonpolar molecules do not dissolve in water.

"Water molecules repel nonpolar substances away from itself."

"Water molecules repel nonpolar substances away from itself."

This statement is true because of the following reason:

The attractive force operating between particles of the non - Polar molecules are not overcome by the force between water and non-polar molecule.

Explanation:

For a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent, there should be release of energy.

The force of attraction between the non-polar molecules are weak dispersion forces.

The force of attraction between the polar (water) molecules are dipole - dipole forces.

The non - polar substance will dissolve in the polar substance only when, the force of attraction between Polar (water) and non-polar molecules are greater than their individual force. If this happen, the energy is released and the molecule will dissolve in water.

But, the energy is not released on addition of non polar molecule to water because the non-polar get squeezed together. This prevent water to interact with them. Hence the non - polar molecules repel water.