Water is an excellent solvent for which type of molecules?

Water is known as a polar molecule, which means it has a partial positive charge on one end (the hydrogen atoms) and a partial negative charge on the other end (the oxygen atom). This polar nature allows water to form strong hydrogen bonds with other polar substances or molecules that have a charge—such as ions and other polar molecules. Charged molecules are often hydrophilic, meaning they interact favorably with water, allowing them to dissolve effectively.

For example, when sodium chloride (table salt) is added to water, the positive sodium ions are attracted to the negative end of the water molecule, while the negative chloride ions are attracted to the positive end. This interaction helps break the ionic bonds in the salt, leading to its dissolution in the water.

In contrast, nonpolar molecules do not interact well with water because they lack charged regions, while hydrophobic molecules tend to repel water and do not dissolve in it. Inert gases are also nonpolar and do not form favorable interactions with water, thus not dissolving in it significantly. Therefore, the ability of water to dissolve and interact primarily with charged molecules underscores its effectiveness as a solvent for these types of substances.