Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

UPSC Prelims & Mains Questions

it is dipolar in nature

it is a good conductor of heat

it has high value of specific heat

it is an oxide of hydrogen

Correct Answer : Option (A) - it is dipolar in nature

Note :

Water is called the universal solvent because it is capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because it is dipolar. Hence, Option A is correct.

Water molecules have a polar arrangement of oxygen and hydrogen atoms — one side (hydrogen) has a positive electrical charge and the other side (oxygen) had a negative charge.

This allows the water molecule to become attracted to many other different types of molecules.

Water can become so heavily attracted to a different compound, like salt (NaCl), that it can disrupt the attractive forces that hold the sodium and chloride in the salt compound together and, thus, dissolve it.

Because of its polarity, water can form electrostatic interactions (charge-based attractions) with other polar molecules and ions.

Year : 2021

Category : General Studies

Recently Updated in UPSC Questions

With reference to 'IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/ are correct? (2016)

1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.

2. They are rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Both 1 and 2

Note :

* The World Bank Group, which is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries, consists of five distinct yet complementary organizations, viz.,

* International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),

* International Development Association (IDA),

* International Finance Corporation (IFC), hence, statement 1 is correct.

* Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA),

* International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

* Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated borrowings issued by Indian entities in overseas markets. Masala means ‘spices’ and the term was used by International Finance Corporation (IFC) to popularise the culture and cuisine of India on foreign platforms. The objective of Masala Bonds is to fund infrastructure projects in India, fuel internal growth via borrowings and internationalize the Indian currency. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Year : 2022

Category : General Studies

Consider the following statements:

1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.

2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency,

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : Option (B) - 2 only

Note :

The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996 as a central assistance programme, with the aim to accelerate creation of irrigation potential.

The Command Area Development (CAD) programme was initiated in 1974-75 with a view to bridging the gap between the potential created and its utilisation and optimising agricultural productivity through better management of land and water use in the command areas served by selected major and medium irrigation projects.

Year : 2015

Category : General Studies