Chemical solvents are substances that dissolve a solute, resulting in a solution. They are commonly used in various industries, including paint, cleaning, and pharmaceuticals, to help mix ingredients or remove unwanted materials. Solvents can be classified as polar or non-polar, depending on their chemical properties, which affects their ability to dissolve different substances. Common examples of chemical solvents include water, ethanol, and acetone. Each solvent has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. For instance, water is a universal solvent due to its ability to dissolve many ionic and polar compounds, while acetone is effective for dissolving oils and fats.