Chemistry
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
Answer
It is polar and has a high dielectric constant.
Reason — Water is a polar covalent compound having a high dielectric constant. This makes water a universal solvent as it helps dissolve even inorganic compounds by reducing the electrostatic force of attraction between the ions.
Water is inorganic, not organic. So this is not the reason. Being liquid helps in dissolving substances, but it is not the main reason for its strong dissolving power. Boiling point has no direct role in making water a universal solvent.
Related Questions
State the methods by which hydrated salts can be made anhydrous?
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Permanent hardness of water is removed by:
- Adding calcium sulphate
- Boiling with potassium chloride
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Solid solutions are called :
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