Multiple Choice
Which property of water allows it to dissolve a wide variety of substances, earning it the title 'universal solvent'?
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3. Water
Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent
Multiple Choice
What is the charge of the solute molecule in the image below based on the polarity of water?
A
Positively charged.
B
Negatively charged.
C
Uncharged.
D
Non-polar and hydrophobic.
Verified step by step guidance1
Observe the orientation of the water molecules surrounding the solute. Water is a polar molecule, with a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms.
Notice that the oxygen atoms of the water molecules are facing towards the solute. This indicates that the solute is attracting the partially negative oxygen atoms.
Since the oxygen atoms, which are negatively charged, are oriented towards the solute, the solute must have a positive charge to attract the negative ends of the water molecules.
Consider the options given: Positively charged, Negatively charged, Uncharged, Non-polar and hydrophobic. Based on the orientation of the water molecules, the solute is likely positively charged.
Conclude that the solute molecule is positively charged because it attracts the negatively charged oxygen atoms of the water molecules.
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