JAMB - Chemistry (2023 - No. 65)
Why is water often referred to as the "universal solvent"?
Water is the most abundant substance on Earth
Water is essential for all living organisms.
Water is involved in many chemical reactions
Water can dissolve a wide variety of substances due to its polar nature
Объяснение
Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. This unique property is mainly due to water's polar nature. Water molecules have a slightly positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slightly negative charge on the oxygen atom, making it a polar molecule. This polarity allows water molecules to interact with and surround other polar and ionic substances, breaking them down and forming solutions.