Q71 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Science and Technology

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Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

A it is dipolar in nature
B it is a good conductor of heat
C It has high value of specific heat
D It is an oxide of hydrogen

Correct answer: (a) it is dipolar in nature

Explanation

  1. A

    it is dipolar in nature

    Dipolar. Water’s polarity lets it solvate ions and polar molecules — the ‘universal solvent’ reason.

  2. B

    it is a good conductor of heat

    Heat conductor. Not why it dissolves salt.

  3. C

    It has high value of specific heat

    High specific heat. A climate property, not solvent power.

  4. D

    It is an oxide of hydrogen

    Oxide of hydrogen. True chemistry, not the solvent explanation.

Summary. Official key is (a). Water dissolves more substances than most liquids because the molecule is polar (dipole) and hydrogen-bonded. Conductivity, specific heat and being H2O do not explain that solvent range.