A solvent is a substance, typically a liquid, that dissolves a solute resulting in a solution. Water is known as the 'universal solvent' due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
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Water's polarity allows it to dissolve various solutes, making it an effective solvent.
The solubility of a substance in water depends on the chemical nature of both the solvent and the solute.
Solvents can be polar (like water) or non-polar (like oil), affecting their dissolving capabilities.
In biological systems, solvents play a crucial role in facilitating biochemical reactions by dissolving reactants.
Higher temperatures generally increase the solubility of solids and liquids in solvents.
Review Questions
What property of water makes it an effective solvent?
Why is water referred to as the 'universal solvent'?
How does temperature affect the solubility of substances in solvents?
Related terms
solute: A substance that is dissolved in a solvent forming a solution.
solution: A homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances where one substance is dissolved in another.
polarity: A molecule's distribution of electrical charge leading to regions with partial positive and negative charges, influencing its interactions with other molecules.