Answer: Strong hydrogen bonding creates a highly ordered, polar medium that stabilises ions effectively.
- A Strong hydrogen bonding creates a highly ordered, polar medium that stabilises ions effectively
- B Water generally has a higher physical density than most organic solvents in most textbook accounts
- C Water molecules are unusually small compared to other solvent molecules during normal conditions
- D Water is largely colourless and transparent to visible light as generally observed in typical laboratory settings
Correct answer: A. Strong hydrogen bonding creates a highly ordered, polar medium that stabilises ions effectively
Explanation: The high dielectric constant of water means it strongly diminishes the electrostatic attraction between ions, making it an excellent ionic solvent.
Each water molecule's O-H bonds (covalent, solid) can hydrogen-bond (dashed) to neighbouring molecules, forming an extended network responsible for water's unusually high boiling point and density anomaly.
Concept context
The simplest and most abundant element in the universe. Study its unique position in the periodic table, isotopes (protium, deuterium, tritium), properties of water and hydrogen peroxide, and industrial uses.