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Water is called a "universal solvent". Why is it such a good solvent? Explain using the...

Water is called a "universal solvent". Why is it such a good solvent? Explain using the concept of dipole moment and electrostatic interactions involved.

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Answer #1

Answer : Water is called the universal solvent - Because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

Water is a solvent due to the polarity of each water molecule. The hydrogen side of each water (H2O) molecule carries a slight positive electric charge, while the oxygen side carries a slight negative electric charge.This helps water dissociate ionic compounds into their positive and negative ions. The positive part of an ionic compound is attracted to the oxygen side of water while the negative portion of the compound is attracted to the hydrogen side of the water.

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