Solvent properties refer to the characteristics of a substance that allow it to dissolve other materials, forming a solution. The most common solvent is water, known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polar nature. This polarity enables water molecules to interact with various solutes, breaking them apart and dispersing them evenly. Different solvents have unique properties that determine their effectiveness in dissolving specific substances. For example, organic solvents like ethanol or acetone are better at dissolving non-polar compounds, while water is more effective for ionic and polar substances. Understanding these properties is essential in fields like chemistry and pharmaceuticals.