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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2021
Health & Medicine
Question No. 161Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q161. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2021 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (A) — it is dipolar in nature

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Water (H₂O) is considered the 'universal solvent' because of its dipolar nature. The oxygen atom carries a partial negative charge while the hydrogen atoms carry partial positive charges. This molecular polarity and bent geometry allow water to form electrostatic interactions with ionic and polar solutes, breaking their lattice bonds and dissolving them.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021 (Q161)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (A) — it is dipolar in nature

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2021 Q161

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I Question 161 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2021 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (A): "it is dipolar in nature". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Health & Medicine questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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