Chapter 15, Problem 41A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine why is water an excellent solvent for most ionic compounds but not non-polar compounds.

Concept Introduction: Chemical substances known as polar compounds are bound together through polar covalent bonds. The chemical species known as a "polar compound" may be one that has two or even more atoms bound together through covalent bonds which are polar in character due to the uneven sharing of electrons.

Answer to Problem 41A

Because water is a kind of polar molecule. It works based on like dissolve the concept. Polar molecules will dissolve with the polar molecule.

Explanation of Solution

Water and ionic compounds, both are polar molecules. The solvation process will be worked on the concept of “like dissolve like”, which means the polar molecule will dissolve in the polar molecule whereas the non-polar molecule will dissolve in the non-polar molecule.

Water is considered a polar molecule hence; water will easily dissolve with an ionic molecule (polar molecule).

It can be said that due to the polar nature of water molecules, it will act as an excellent solvent for most ionic compounds but not non-polar compounds.