A student says water is a universal solvent, so oil must dissolve completely in it. What is wrong in this statement?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Universal solvent does not mean dissolving every substance completely
Water is called a universal solvent because it dissolves a very wide range of ionic and polar substances, not because it dissolves every material. Oil is largely non-polar, whereas water is polar, so their intermolecular interactions do not favour complete mixing. Water does dissolve many substances, oil is not always ionic, and water is not non-polar. Therefore, “universal” is not an absolute claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Universal solvent does not mean dissolving every substance completely
Why is this the correct answer?
Water is called a universal solvent because it dissolves a very wide range of ionic and polar substances, not because it dissolves every material. Oil is largely non-polar, whereas water is polar, so their intermolecular interactions do not favour complete mixing. Water does dissolve many substances, oil is not always ionic, and water is not non-polar. Therefore, “universal” is not an absolute claim.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 11 Chemistry question. Chapter: Chapter 01: Solutions.
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