AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Water is considered the universal solvent since it can dissolve both ionic and polar solutes, as well as some nonpolar solutes (in very limited amounts).

Detailed explanation-2: -Polar substances are likely to dissolve in polar solvents. For example, ionic compounds, which are very polar, are often soluble in the polar solvent water. Nonpolar substances are likely to dissolve in nonpolar solvents.

Detailed explanation-3: -Generally both solvents and solutes are separated into two types: polar/ionic and non-polar. The rule of thumb is that “like dissolves like". Polar/ionic solvents dissolve polar/ionic solutes and non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar solutes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Generally, “like dissolves like.” Polar molecules dissolve other polar molecules and ionic compounds. Nonpolar molecules dissolve other nonpolar molecules. Alcohols, which have characteristics of both, tend to dissolve in both types of solvents, but will not dissolve ionic solids.

Detailed explanation-5: -Because of its high polarity, water is the most common solvent for ionic compounds. Many ionic compounds are soluble in other polar solvents, however, such as liquid ammonia, liquid hydrogen fluoride, and methanol.