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
- A
it is dipolar in nature
Dipolar. Water’s polarity lets it solvate ions and polar molecules — the ‘universal solvent’ reason.
- B
it is a good conductor of heat
Heat conductor. Not why it dissolves salt.
- C
It has high value of specific heat
High specific heat. A climate property, not solvent power.
- 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.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.