Chemistry
Answer
Water
Reason — Water has a high dielectric constant, as a result it reduces the electrostatic force of attraction between the positive and negative ions and dissolves even inorganic compounds, which are usually electrovalent. Hence, sodium sulphate is dissolves in water.
Ether is a non-polar solvent, while Sodium sulphate is an ionic compound. Non-polar solvents cannot dissolve ionic salts, so no solubility. Alcohol (like ethanol) is partially polar, but not enough to effectively dissolve ionic salts. So sodium sulphate is only very slightly soluble or considered insoluble. Benzene is a non-polar solvent. It cannot break ionic bonds or stabilize ions, so no solubility.
Related Questions
In which of the following substances will there be :
(a) increase in mass
(b) decrease in mass
(c) no change in mass when they are exposed to air?
- Sodium chloride
- Iron
- Conc. sulphuric acid
- Table salt
- Sodium carbonate crystals
State the methods by which hydrated salts can be made anhydrous?
Water acts as a universal solvent because:
- It is an organic compound
- It is polar and has a high dielectric constant.
- It is liquid at room temperature.
- It boils at 100°C
Permanent hardness of water is removed by:
- Adding calcium sulphate
- Boiling with potassium chloride
- Boiling
- Adding sodium carbonate