AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because of its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, water makes an excellent solvent, meaning that it can dissolve many different kinds of molecules.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water is called the “universal solvent” because it is capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. This is important to every living thing on earth. It means that wherever water goes, either through the air, the ground, or through our bodies, it takes along valuable chemicals, minerals, and nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -Water, which not only dissolves many compounds but also dissolves more substances than any other liquid, is considered the universal solvent. A polar molecule with partially-positive and negative charges, it readily dissolves ions and polar molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water as the “Universal Solvent" Because of water’s polarity, it is able to dissolve or dissociate many particles. Oxygen has a slightly negative charge, while the two hydrogens have a slightly positive charge.

Detailed explanation-5: -The high dielectric constant and dipole movement of water are the properties of water that make it useful as a solvent. Water can dissolve ionic compounds and hydrolyze them. Note: Though water is a polar solvent and polar solvents are able to dissolve only polar compounds in them.