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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a solvent?
What is the primary function of a solvent?
In which industries are solvents commonly used?
In which industries are solvents commonly used?
What is the most common solvent used by living things?
What is the most common solvent used by living things?
What property of water makes it capable of reducing forces of electrostatic attraction?
What property of water makes it capable of reducing forces of electrostatic attraction?
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What happens to salts and other electrolytes when they are dissolved in water?
What happens to salts and other electrolytes when they are dissolved in water?
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What is the most common solvent used by living things?
What is the most common solvent used by living things?
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In which industry are solvents commonly used for chemical synthesis and purification processes?
In which industry are solvents commonly used for chemical synthesis and purification processes?
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What type of fluid can a solvent be?
What type of fluid can a solvent be?
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Which solvent is commonly used in dry cleaning processes?
Which solvent is commonly used in dry cleaning processes?
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How does water's high dielectric constant contribute to its role as a solvent for living things?
How does water's high dielectric constant contribute to its role as a solvent for living things?
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Study Notes
Solvent Functions and Characteristics
- A solvent primarily serves to dissolve solutes, creating a solution that can facilitate chemical reactions, transport substances, and enhance interactions.
- Solvents can be liquids, gases, or solids, and their ability to dissolve substances is determined by their chemical nature and polarity.
Industries Utilizing Solvents
- Commonly used across various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and cleaning.
- In the chemical industry, solvents play a crucial role in chemical synthesis and purification processes.
Biological Solvents
- Water is the most common solvent in living organisms, vital for biochemical reactions and transporting nutrients.
- Water's structure allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, crucial for life processes.
Water's Unique Properties
- Water has a high dielectric constant, which reduces electrostatic forces between charged particles, enhancing its solvent capabilities.
- When salts and electrolytes dissolve in water, they dissociate into their individual ions, allowing for electrical conductivity.
Solvent Applications
- In dry cleaning, tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene) is a commonly used solvent due to its effective stain-removing properties.
Summary of Water's Role
- Water’s high dielectric constant significantly contributes to its ability to dissolve ionic compounds and polar molecules, making it an exceptional solvent necessary for various biochemical reactions in living things.
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Description
Test your knowledge of solvents with this quiz! Explore the different types of solvents and their applications in various industries such as chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas. Learn about common uses of solvents in dry cleaning, paint thinners, and spot removers.
