Universal Solvent
A "Universal Solvent" is a term often used to describe water because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This property makes water essential for various biological and chemical processes. Many compounds, including salts, sugars, acids, and gases, can easily dissolve in water, allowing for important reactions and interactions.
The ability of water to act as a universal solvent is due to its polar molecular structure. The positive and negative ends of the water molecule attract different ions and molecules, facilitating their dissolution. This characteristic is crucial for life, as it helps transport nutrients and waste in living organisms.