Question

Water is called the “universal solvent.” Which statement best explains this description with respect to ionic compounds?

Answer 1

It is called the universal solvent because it can dissolve a wide range of solutes. Generally speaking, water is good at dissolving ions and polar molecules, but poor at dissolving nonpolar molecules. Water molecules are polar, with partial positive charges on the hydrogens, a partial negative charge on the oxygen, and a bent overall structure. The unequal charge distribution in a water molecule allows the interaction with ions.

Answer 2

Answer is: C. Water can dissociate many ionic compounds through ion-dipole interactions.

For example, dissociation of potassium bromide: KBr(aq) → K⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq).

Some ionic compounds cannot dissociate in water, for example calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), silver chloride (AgCl), lead(II)-carbonate (PbCO₃).

An ion-dipole is electrostatic interaction between a charged ion (cations and anions) and a molecule that has a dipole (in this example water).

Dipole is a separation of positive and negative charges. In water, hydrogen has positive and oxygen has negative charge.