Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) English Practice Test

What does "soluble" indicate about a substance?

1. It is capable of being dissolved

2. It cannot be mixed with other substances

3. It is solid at room temperature

4. It is dangerous to handle

The correct answer is: It is capable of being dissolved

The term "soluble" refers to the ability of a substance to be dissolved in another substance, typically a solvent like water. When we say that a substance is soluble, we imply that it can break down into individual molecules or ions within the solvent, forming a homogeneous solution. This characteristic is essential in various applications, such as in chemistry, pharmacology, and everyday life, where dissolving substances is often required for reactions or to create solutions. In contrast, options that define the substance in other terms do not align with the meaning of "soluble." For example, indicating that the substance cannot be mixed with others describes an insoluble substance, and stating that it is solid at room temperature does not speak to its dissolvability at all. Lastly, describing the substance as dangerous to handle addresses safety concerns rather than its solubility. Therefore, the definition provided through option A accurately captures the essence of what "soluble" means.