Polar solvents are substances that have a significant difference in electrical charge distribution, leading to a positive and negative end. This property allows them to dissolve ionic and other polar compounds effectively. Common examples of polar solvents include water, ethanol, and acetone. The polarity of these solvents arises from their molecular structure, where certain atoms, like oxygen or nitrogen, attract electrons more strongly than others. This results in a dipole moment, making polar solvents essential in various chemical reactions, especially in biological and industrial processes.