Question

Give a reason why water is called a universal solvent but an alkali is not?

Answer 1

• Water molecules are polar covalent compounds. when any polar or ionic substance is added to water, it breaks the electrostatic force holding together the molecules of that substance. Thus the molecule loses from the substance and hence dissolves in water.
• Water dissolves inorganic compounds (salts like NaCl, and KCl), certain organic compounds (carbohydrates, proteins), and a large number of gases(Like oxygen) and hence is called a universal solvent.
• Bases that dissolve in water are called alkalis. example KOH, NaOH.
• Alkalis are not a universal solvent.