Why Water Dissolves (Almost) Everything

The video explores the concept of solvents, focusing on water as the universal solvent. It explains how water's molecular structure allows it to dissolve many substances, yet not everything. Materials like quartz and cotton are used in everyday life because they resist water dissolution. Humans have engineered materials to be either water-soluble or resistant, depending on the need. Biological adaptations, such as skin and cell membranes, prevent organisms from dissolving in water, allowing life to thrive on Earth.

What characteristic of water molecules allows them to dissolve many substances?

• Their solid state

• Their high temperature

• Their strong positive and negative charges

• Their large size

Why don't water's dissolving abilities cause our countertops and clothes to disintegrate?

• They are made of materials with no charged parts

• They are made of materials with charged parts

• They are coated with a special chemical

• They are constantly replaced

Which of the following materials is engineered to be water-soluble?

• Quartz countertops

• Washable markers

• Cotton clothes

• Asphalt streets

How have humans adapted to prevent water from dissolving their skin?

• By developing a charged outer skin layer

• By evolving an uncharged outer skin layer

• By using waterproof clothing

• By avoiding water contact

What is the primary reason life exists on Earth despite water's dissolving power?

• Life forms avoid water

• Life forms are made of water

• Life forms have barriers to prevent dissolution

• Life forms are immune to water