Multiple Choice
Which property of water allows a paper towel to pick up a puddle of water?
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3. Water
Properties of Water- Cohesion and Adhesion
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Water tends to repel or exclude which of the following?
A
Hydrogen ions ($\mathrm{H^+}$)
B
Nonpolar molecules
C
Polar molecules
D
Ionic compounds
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the nature of water molecules: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. This polarity allows water to interact with other polar molecules and ionic compounds effectively.
Recognize the types of molecules listed in the problem: Nonpolar molecules lack a charge distribution, meaning they do not have regions of partial positive or negative charge. Polar molecules have regions of charge, and ionic compounds consist of charged ions ($\mathrm{H^+}$, for example).
Recall the principle of 'like dissolves like': Polar substances, such as water, tend to interact with other polar substances and ionic compounds due to their charge compatibility. Nonpolar molecules, however, are excluded or repelled because they lack the charge necessary to interact with water molecules.
Apply this principle to the options provided: Water will interact with polar molecules and ionic compounds, but it will repel or exclude nonpolar molecules because they cannot form hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions with water.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'Nonpolar molecules,' as they are excluded by water due to their lack of polarity and inability to interact with water's polar nature.
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