Question

“Water is a universal solvent”. Comment.

Answer 1

Hint: We all know that water is a universal solvent. But then also it does not dissolve anything and everything. Also, it does dissolve most of the substances that are other than liquid. That’s why water is said to be a universal solvent.

Complete step by step answer:
It is known to us that the solvent properties of water can affect life on Earth. So, water is said to be universally important to all of us. A solvent is a substance that aims on dissolving other compounds and molecules that are known to be solutes. Due to its polarity and ability to form bonds with hydrogen, water is considered to be an excellent solvent that can dissolve different types of molecules and substances.
As water is the only substance that can dissolve more substances than any other liquid so it is termed as the universal solvent. From this, we get to know water is important for every living thing on earth. Wherever you go you can find water and air. Water has the ability to take along valuable nutrients, minerals, and chemicals.
Due to the physical attributes and chemical composition of water it is an excellent solvent. In water, the molecules are arranged in a polar form of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. On one side there is hydrogen that has a positive charge and on the other side there is oxygen having a negative charge. The electrical charge allows the water molecule to attract other types of molecules. It can attract compounds of salt \[NaCl\] which can disrupt the attractive forces and hold the sodium and chloride together and finally, dissolves it.
Thus, water is a universal solvent.

Note:
We must know that the polar properties of the water molecules form hydrogen bonds with polar and ion molecules, that allows the ionic and polar covalent compounds to disperse evenly in water.