Question

Why is it said that –
(a) Air is a homogeneous mixture of various gases.
(b) Water is a universal solvent.
(c) There is no alternative to water for cleaning purposes.

Answer 1

a. Air is a homogeneous mixture of gases as it is primarily made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Its elements are not readily separated or distinguished from one another.

b. Water is a very good solvent as it can dissolve almost every substance in it, therefore water is known as the “universal solvent”.

c. There is no alternative to water for cleaning purposes beacuse it dissolves everything that is added to it. The reason why it is called the universal solvent. The water dissolves all the dirt present in our clothes, the reason why we soak our clothes in detergent and water prior to washing. Also, water has a neutral pH which means it does not harm the object which has to be cleaned and also does not affect the skin.