Which property of water allows it to dissolve many substances?

• A. High polarity
• B. Low boiling point
• C. High density
• D. Low viscosity

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other side due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
2. Recognize that the polarity of water allows it to interact with various solutes, especially ionic compounds and other polar molecules, through dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.
3. Consider how the positive end of the water molecule can attract negatively charged ions or polar molecules, while the negative end can attract positively charged ions or polar molecules.
4. Realize that this ability to surround and interact with different ions and molecules makes water an excellent solvent, capable of dissolving a wide range of substances.
5. Conclude that the high polarity of water is the key property that enables it to dissolve many substances, distinguishing it from properties like boiling point, density, or viscosity, which do not directly contribute to its solvent capabilities.