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UPSC 2021: Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because
(a)it is dipolar in nature
(b)it is a good conductor of heat
(c)it has high value of specific heat
(d)it is an oxide of hydrogen
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (a) it is dipolar in nature
Water molecules are highly polar (dipolar); the partial positive charge on hydrogen and partial negative charge on oxygen allow them to surround and separate ions or polar molecules, enabling water to dissolve more substances than any other liquid. The other properties listed (thermal conductivity, high specific heat, being an oxide of hydrogen) do not account for this exceptional solvent ability ([usgs.gov](https://www.usgs.gov/index.php/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-qa-why-water-universal-solvent?utm_source=openai)).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2021 Science & Technology question?▼
The correct answer is option (a): it is dipolar in nature. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Chemistry question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper 1, as Question 71. It falls under Science & Technology > Chemistry.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "easy". It tests basic recall and most well-prepared aspirants should answer it correctly.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Chemistry?▼
UPSC has asked 53 questions from Chemistry (under Science & Technology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.