Why Water Is a Good Solvent: Reasons & Explanations

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SUMMARY

Water is a good solvent primarily due to its polar molecule structure and the ability to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules. The discussion clarifies that option A is a valid reason for water's solvent properties, while option B, which suggests strong bonding with all molecules, is misleading. The correct answer to the question posed is option C, as low compressibility at high temperatures does not contribute to water's effectiveness as a solvent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar molecules
  • Knowledge of hydrogen bonding
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to solubility
  • Familiarity with molecular interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of polar molecules in chemistry
  • Study the mechanisms of hydrogen bonding in various solvents
  • Explore the concept of solubility and factors affecting it
  • Investigate the role of temperature in solvent properties
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Students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the chemical properties of water and its role as a solvent in various applications.

oceanflavored
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This is a question I got confused on while helping my son with his homework. I thought you guys might know:
Which of the following is NOT a reason why water is a good solvent:
A] it is a polar molecule
B] it forms strong bonds with other molecules
C] it has low compressibility at high temperatures

I know it can't be A, because that is one of the main reasons. And I know B is true because hydrogen bonding is a really strong force, but then i remembered that it only with fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen, so I didn't know if it was with every molecule. And I thought bonding related more to surface tension, and such. I know C is true but I haven't read up on that too much, so I'm not exactly sure.

Would appreciate any feedback GREATLY.
thanks :)
 
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I think B is the correct answer. Well, water can form some kinds of bonding with other molecules, especially the hydrogen bond. But those bonds can never be strong bonds and they can easily be dissociated under appropriate conditions.
 
Question is which is NOT a reason. Correct answer is C.

Borek
 
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