# Explain why water is described as a 'universal solvent' and state one problem that arises from this property when water passes through soil and rock.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 10.1 Water · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Water dissolves a very large number / wide range of substances / solutes
2. This is because water is a polar molecule / water molecules are polar, allowing it to interact with / attract many solutes
3. Water dissolves minerals / salts / ions from soil and rock, so the water becomes hard / contains dissolved calcium or magnesium ions / compounds
4. Hard water does not lather easily with soap / causes scum with soap OR causes scale / limescale to form in pipes and kettles

## Key terms

- [universal solvent](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/universal-solvent)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-water-is-described-as-2a0c1a68) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.