How solutes dissolve in solvents

A Summary of How Solutes Dissolve in Solvents

SOLUTE PHASE	REQUIREMENTS FOR DISSOLVING
SOLID	The solvent molecules must be attracted to the solute molecules so strongly that the solvent molecules can get in between the solute molecules (or ions) and pull them far apart from each other.
LIQUID	The solvent molecules need only be attracted to the solute molecules a little, because the solvent does not need to separate the solute molecules very much. The solvent merely needs to get in between the solute molecules.
GAS	The solvent molecules must be attracted to the solute molecules enough to pull the solute molecules closer to one another.