Which term describes water's ability to dissolve many substances?

Which term describes water's ability to dissolve many substances?

• A. Universal solvent
• B. Capillary action
• C. Condensation
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (A)

Water's ability to dissolve many substances stems from its polarity. The molecule has a slightly positive side (the hydrogens) and a slightly negative side (the oxygen), which lets it surround and interact with charged and polar particles. When something dissolves, its ions or molecules become surrounded by water molecules, forming a hydrated shell that stabilizes them in solution. Because this capability applies to a wide range of substances, water is often described as the universal solvent. The other terms describe different processes: capillary action is about water moving up narrow spaces due to cohesion and adhesion; condensation is gas turning into a liquid; evaporation is liquid turning into a gas.

Water's ability to dissolve many substances stems from its polarity. The molecule has a slightly positive side (the hydrogens) and a slightly negative side (the oxygen), which lets it surround and interact with charged and polar particles. When something dissolves, its ions or molecules become surrounded by water molecules, forming a hydrated shell that stabilizes them in solution. Because this capability applies to a wide range of substances, water is often described as the universal solvent. The other terms describe different processes: capillary action is about water moving up narrow spaces due to cohesion and adhesion; condensation is gas turning into a liquid; evaporation is liquid turning into a gas.