Question

1. the term universal solvent means that water can dissolve more substances than most other liquids. which types of substances can water dissolve?

• ionic compounds and polar molecules but not nonpolar molecules
• ionic compounds but not covalent compounds
• covalent compounds but not ionic compounds
• polar molecules but not nonpolar molecules or ionic compounds

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the solubility properties of water. Water is a polar molecule, and the principle "like dissolves like" applies. Ionic compounds dissociate into ions in water (due to water's polarity interacting with ions), and polar molecules (with a dipole moment) are also soluble in water. Nonpolar molecules (with no dipole) are generally insoluble in water because water's polarity cannot interact favorably with them.

• The second option is incorrect because water can dissolve polar covalent compounds (e.g., ethanol).
• The third option is incorrect because water does dissolve ionic compounds.
• The fourth option is incorrect because water does dissolve ionic compounds (e.g., NaCl).
• The first option is correct: water dissolves ionic compounds (via ion - dipole interactions) and polar molecules (via dipole - dipole or hydrogen bonding interactions) but not nonpolar molecules (due to lack of favorable interactions).

Answer:

A. ionic compounds and polar molecules but not nonpolar molecules