AP BIOLOGY

BIOCHEMISTRY

PROPERTIES OF WATER

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Water is a polar molecule that attracts other polar molecules. Which of the following is a consequence of this property?
A
Water is considered to be a universal solvent.
B
Water can only dissolve a limited amount of solute.
C
When water freezes, the molecules move farther apart.
D
The water in lakes, ponds and puddles freezes from top down.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Water is a polar molecule that attracts other polar molecules. Which of the following is a consequence of this property? Water is considered to be a universal solvent. Water can only dissolve a limited amount of solute.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water is called the “universal solvent” because it is capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. This is important to every living thing on earth. It means that wherever water goes, either through the air, the ground, or through our bodies, it takes along valuable chemicals, minerals, and nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -The property of cohesion describes the ability of water molecules to be attracted to other water molecules, which allows water to be a “sticky” liquid.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water molecules attract each other due to polarity. Polarity: Although the net charge of a water molecule is zero, water is polar because of its shape. The hydrogen ends of the molecule are positive and the oxygen end is negative. This causes water molecules to attract each other and other polar molecules.

Detailed explanation-5: -Key Takeaways: Universal Solvent A true universal solvent does not exist. Water is often called the universal solvent because it dissolves more chemicals than any other solvent. However, water only dissolves other polar molecules.

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