Textbook Question
Draw the hydration shells that form around a potassium ion and a chloride ion when potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves in water. Label the positive, negative, and partial charges on the atoms.
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3. Water
Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent
Multiple Choice
Which characteristic is a property of water that makes it an effective universal solvent?
A
Low density in solid form
B
Polarity
C
High specific heat capacity
D
Nonpolar nature
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that water is often referred to as the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.
Recognize that the key property of water that contributes to its ability as a solvent is its polarity.
Water molecules have a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, making them polar.
This polarity allows water molecules to surround and interact with various solutes, effectively breaking them apart and dissolving them.
Other properties listed, such as low density in solid form and high specific heat capacity, do not directly contribute to water's solvent abilities.
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