Water is called a "universal solvent" because it has a unique ability to dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This ability comes primarily from water's polar molecular structure , where one side (oxygen) has a slight negative charge and the other side (hydrogen) has a slight positive charge. Due to this polarity, water can surround and pull apart many different polar and ionic substances, effectively breaking them down into smaller pieces and dissolving them. Additionally, water molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other and with other substances, which creates a network that helps water trap and carry dissolved particles. This both enhances its dissolving power and allows water to transport nutrients and minerals in nature and in living organisms. However, water cannot dissolve everything—for example, it does not dissolve non-polar substances like oils. Still, its versatility in dissolving many solids, liquids, and gases is why it is called the universal solvent and plays a crucial role in biological and environmental processes.
