Why is water considered the universal solvent?(1 point)
Responses
Water molecules are weakly bonded to other water molecules.
Water molecules are weakly bonded to other water molecules.
Water dissolves more substances than any other solvent.
Water dissolves more substances than any other solvent.
Water molecules are held together by covalent bonds.
Water molecules are held together by covalent bonds.
Water is a polar compound because its ends have opposite charges.
Water is considered the universal solvent because it dissolves more substances than any other solvent.
Water is considered the universal solvent for several reasons:
1. Water molecules are held together by covalent bonds: The oxygen atom in a water molecule is slightly negative, while the hydrogen atoms are slightly positive. This creates a polar molecule. This polarity allows water molecules to form weak bonds with other polar or charged molecules, making it easier for water to dissolve substances.
2. Water dissolves more substances than any other solvent: Due to its polarity, water can dissolve a wide variety of substances, including salts, polar molecules like sugars and alcohols, and even some non-polar molecules like oils and gases. This ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it a universal solvent.
3. Water molecules are weakly bonded to other water molecules: Water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with each other. These bonds are weaker than covalent bonds but are still strong enough to hold water molecules together. This weak bonding between water molecules allows them to move and flow freely, making it easier for them to interact with and dissolve other substances.
So, water's ability to form strong covalent bonds, its polarity, and the weak bonds between water molecules all contribute to its status as a universal solvent.
The correct answer is: "Water dissolves more substances than any other solvent."
To understand why water is considered the universal solvent, we need to look at its molecular structure and properties. Water molecules are composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. These bonds are covalent, meaning that the atoms share electrons.
One unique feature of water is that it is a polar compound. This means that the distribution of electrons in the molecule is uneven. The oxygen atom has a slightly negative charge (δ-) while the hydrogen atoms have slightly positive charges (δ+). This polarity gives water the ability to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules and with other polar molecules.
Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds allows it to readily interact with other substances. When a substance is dissolved in water, the solvent molecules surround and separate the solute particles, effectively breaking the ionic or molecular bonds holding the solute together. The polarity of water allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, including salts, sugars, acids, and many other polar and ionic compounds.
Therefore, water is considered the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a greater variety of substances than any other solvent due to its unique molecular structure and polar properties.