Which of the following properties of water explains its solvent abilities for certain substances?
A.
Kinetic energy of liquid water molecules
B.
High specific heat
C.
High surface tension
D.
Polarity of water molecules.
The correct answer is D. Polarity of water molecules.
Explanation:
Water’s ability to act as a solvent for many substances is largely due to 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 interact with and dissolve other polar substances and ionic compounds. The positive and negative charges of the water molecules surround and separate the ions or polar molecules of the solute, leading to dissolution.
Here’s why the other options are not the correct answer:
- A. Kinetic energy of liquid water molecules: While kinetic energy affects the movement of molecules and influences processes like diffusion, it is not directly responsible for water’s solvent abilities.
- B. High specific heat: This property refers to water’s ability to absorb and retain heat, which is important for temperature regulation but not for its solvent properties.
- C. High surface tension: Surface tension is a result of water’s hydrogen bonding and affects how water interacts with surfaces but is not the main factor in its solvent capabilities.
Thus, D. Polarity of water molecules is the property that explains water’s ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances.