Question

which type of substance is water able to dissolve?

• ionic and polar
• polar
• nonpolar
• ionic

Explanation:

Analyze water's molecular properties

Water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) is a highly polar molecule due to the significant electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, combined with its bent molecular geometry. This polarity allows water to form strong hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions.

Apply solubility principles

The general rule of solubility is "like dissolves like." This means polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. Since water is polar, it readily dissolves other polar substances through dipole-dipole interactions.

Evaluate ionic substances

Using the Intermolecular Forces and Miscibility concepts, we know that water has a high dielectric constant and can form strong ion-dipole attractions with ionic compounds. These attractions overcome the lattice energy of many ionic salts, allowing them to dissociate and dissolve in water.

Compare the given options

• "ionic and polar": Correct, as water dissolves both polar molecules and ionic compounds.
• "polar": Incomplete, as it omits ionic substances.
• "nonpolar": Incorrect, as nonpolar substances do not dissolve well in polar water.
• "ionic": Incomplete, as it omits polar substances.

Answer:

• ionic and polar (Correct answer)
• polar
• nonpolar
• ionic