What is known as the universal solvent and why is it important?

Water is referred to as the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances more than any other liquid. This unique property is due to the polar nature of water molecules, which allows them to interact with various ions and polar molecules effectively. The positive and negative charges in water molecules create strong interactions with solutes, facilitating their dissolution.

This characteristic is crucial in many biological and chemical processes. For instance, in biological systems, water helps transport nutrients and waste products in and out of cells, while in chemical reactions, it often serves as a medium where reactants can easily interact. The versatility of water as a solvent is essential for life, as it participates in reactions, regulates temperature, and maintains homeostasis in living organisms.