Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

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Prepare for the Florida Biology EOC Test. Use our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to get ready for your Biology End-of-Course exam!

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Why is water considered a universal solvent?

It can dissolve nonpolar molecules easily
It can only dissolve ionic compounds
It can dissolve many substances including ionic compounds and polar molecules
It can dissolve gases

The correct answer is: It can dissolve many substances including ionic compounds and polar molecules

Water is considered a universal solvent because it is able to dissolve a wide range of substances. This is due to its unique structure and properties. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a slightly positive and negative charge at opposite ends. This allows it to interact with and dissolve other polar molecules, such as salts and sugars. Additionally, its polarity also allows it to interact with and partially dissolve nonpolar molecules, making it able to dissolve a wide range of substances. Option A is incorrect as water cannot easily dissolve nonpolar molecules, it can only partially dissolve them. Option B is incorrect as water can dissolve both ionic and polar molecules. Option D is incorrect as while water can dissolve gases, it is not the main reason why it is considered a universal solvent.