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Multiple Choice
Which important property of water allows it to support life by dissolving a wide range of substances?
A
High heat capacity
B
High surface tension
C
Low density in solid form
D
Universal solvent ability
Verified step by step guidance
1
Water is known as the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This property is crucial for life as it allows water to carry nutrients, waste products, and other molecules within organisms.
The ability of water to dissolve substances is due to its polar nature. Water molecules have a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, creating a dipole.
When ionic or polar substances are introduced to water, the positive and negative ends of the water molecules interact with the charged particles of the substance, effectively surrounding and separating them.
This interaction is known as solvation, where water molecules form a hydration shell around ions or polar molecules, facilitating their dispersion and transport in biological systems.
The universal solvent property of water is essential for biochemical reactions, nutrient transport, and waste removal, all of which are vital processes for sustaining life.