5. Why water is a good solvent for many different of solutes?
6. Why should the solutes be added to water than water being added to solutes?
5. Because "like dissolves like". Water contains OH and it is as polar solvent so it can dissolve many covalent and many ionic substances.
6. Some solutes, an example is concentrated H2SO4, produces and extraordinarily high amount of heat which may cause the solvent to overheat, spatter, etc and possibly harm bystanders and/or the person doing the mixing.
Thanks DrBoB!
5. Water is a good solvent for many different solutes due to its unique molecular structure and properties. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a positive and a negative end. This polarity allows water molecules to attract and interact with other charged or polar molecules. Since most solutes are either charged or polar, water can easily surround and dissolve them.
Water's ability to dissolve solutes is also due to its high dielectric constant. This means that water can effectively separate and stabilize charged solute particles by creating a hydration shell around them, preventing them from clumping together. Additionally, water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with solute molecules, further enhancing their solubility.
Another reason water is a good solvent is its abundance and accessibility. Water is the most abundant compound on Earth's surface and can be easily obtained. This availability, combined with its ability to dissolve a wide range of solutes, makes it an excellent solvent for many different substances.
6. It is generally recommended to add solutes to water rather than adding water to solutes. There are a few reasons for this:
Firstly, when adding solutes to water, it allows for better control of the dissolution process. By adding solutes slowly to water while stirring or mixing, you can ensure a more homogeneous mixture. This helps to prevent clumping or the formation of concentrated regions of solute.
Secondly, adding water to solutes can result in violent reactions or splattering, especially if the solute is reactive or highly concentrated. Adding water slowly to solutes allows for better dissipation of heat and prevents sudden reactions or splashing.
Lastly, when adding solutes to water, it is easier to ensure that all the solute dissolves completely. By gradually adding solutes while stirring, you can monitor the dissolution process, ensuring that all the solute particles are fully dispersed in the solvent. Adding water to solutes may result in incomplete dissolution, leaving undissolved particles in the solution.
In summary, adding solutes to water provides better control, prevents violent reactions, and ensures complete dissolution, making it the preferred method of preparing solutions.