BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

In a typical chemical reaction in an aqueous solution, water’s high dielectric constant primarily affects the

A. Rate of collision between reactant molecules
B. Strength of electrostatic interactions between charged solutes and ions
C. Partial pressure of dissolved gases in the reaction mixture
D. Heat released by the breaking of covalent bonds

📝 Explanation

A high dielectric constant, by definition, weakens the force of attraction between charges. This stabilizes dissolved ions in solution, preventing their precipitation and making them available for reactions. It also affects the pKa of acids by stabilizing their conjugate bases.

📖 Additional Information

  • Rate of collision between reactant molecules
  • Strength of electrostatic interactions between charged solutes and ions
  • Partial pressure of dissolved gases in the reaction mixture
  • Heat released by the breaking of covalent bonds

A high dielectric constant, by definition, weakens the force of attraction between charges. This stabilizes dissolved ions in solution, preventing their precipitation and making them available for reactions. It also affects the pKa of acids by stabilizing their conjugate bases.

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