Question

1. why is water such a good solvent?

Explanation:

Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. This polarity allows water to form hydrogen bonds. Polar or ionic solutes (like salts, sugars) interact with water's charges: the positive part of the solute is attracted to water's negative oxygen, and the negative part to water's positive hydrogens. Non - polar substances can also dissolve in water to some extent due to hydration shells or other intermolecular forces, but the key is water's polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, which help break apart solute particles and surround them, facilitating dissolution.

Answer:

Water is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge on hydrogen and partial negative on oxygen, can form hydrogen bonds, and its polarity/intermolecular forces interact with polar/ionic (and some non - polar) solutes to break them apart and surround them, enabling effective dissolution.