The universal solvent refers to water, which is known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polar nature and hydrogen bonding. This characteristic allows water to facilitate chemical reactions, transport nutrients, and play a crucial role in biological processes. The unique properties of water, including its polarity and high dielectric constant, enable it to interact effectively with various solutes, making it essential for life on Earth.
Polarity: The distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule, resulting in a molecule having a positive and negative end, which contributes to water's solvent capabilities.
Hydrogen Bonding: A type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom interacts with another electronegative atom, significantly affecting water's physical properties.
Solute: A substance that is dissolved in a solvent, forming a solution; in biological contexts, solutes can include ions, sugars, and gases that are essential for cellular functions.