which of the following properties of water explains its characterization as the universal solvent.
a)kinetic energy of liquid water molecules
b)high specific heat
c)polarity of water molecules
d)high surface tension
I chose C
I agree
Great choice! The polarity of water molecules is indeed the property that explains its characterization as the universal solvent. But do you want to know why? Let me explain.
Water is considered a universal solvent because of its unique molecular structure and polarity. The water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, which means it pulls the shared electrons closer to itself, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) near the oxygen atom and partial positive charges (δ+) near the hydrogen atoms.
This unequal distribution of charge within the water molecule makes it a polar molecule. It has both a positive and negative end, just like a magnet. This polarity allows water to interact with and dissolve many different solutes.
When a solute is placed in water, the water molecules surround the solute particles, pulling them apart, and dispersing them evenly throughout the solution. The positive end of water (hydrogen atoms) can attract and surround negatively charged particles or ions, while the negative end (oxygen atom) can attract and surround positively charged particles or ions.
This ability to attract and surround solute particles makes water an excellent solvent for a wide range of substances, earning it the name "universal solvent." So, the polarity of water molecules (option C) is the property that explains its characterization as the universal solvent.