Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

1. it is dipolar in nature
2. it is a good conductor of heat
3. it has high value of specific heat
4. it is an oxide of hydrogen

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive charge on one end (near the hydrogen atoms) and a negative charge on the other (near the oxygen atom). This polarity allows water molecules to surround and interact with various ions and polar molecules, effectively breaking them apart and dissolving them. The positive and negative ends of water molecules attract the oppositely charged parts of other substances, allowing water to dissolve salts, sugars, acids, bases, gases, and many other compounds. This is why water is often referred to as the “universal solvent.” Polar nature of water makes it: (a) a very good solvent for ionic and partially ionic compounds; (b) to act as an amphoteric (acid as well as base) substance; and (c) to form hydrates of different types. Its property to dissolve many salts, particularly in large quantity, makes it hard and hazardous for industrial use.

Answer: (a) it is dipolar in nature; Difficulty Level: Medium