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.
Related Questions
State the methods by which hydrated salts can be made anhydrous?
Sodium sulphate is soluble in:
- Ether
- Water
- Alcohol
- Benzene
Permanent hardness of water is removed by:
- Adding calcium sulphate
- Boiling with potassium chloride
- Boiling
- Adding sodium carbonate
Solid solutions are called :
- Allotropes
- Isotopes
- Alloys
- Isotones