Explain why water is sometimes referred to as the universal solvent?

Answer 1

Water is earth's most abundant and useful chemical. However nearly everything about water is contradictory. Water can be used physically and chemically, with both organic and inorganic substances. By nature, water is neutral, although water can act as a base or acid, depending on the circumstances. More importantly, water reacts with more substances than any other compound, both chemically and physically. Therefore, many abundant pure substances are not often found in nature as they have come into contact, and reacted with water.

So alcohols, fatty acids, proteins and so many more substances would never exist.

Another interesting characteristic of water would be that it has the ability to be energized by microwave radiation, but at the same time it makes an excellent barrier to nuclear radiation. How that can be is still scientifically unanswered, along with a lengthy trail of questions regarding water.

Answer 2

Water is a universal solvent, meaning it is able to dissolve a wide range of substances. It is not a base or an acid and when distilled, it does not conduct electricity (one of few pure substances which does not conduct electricity when distilled). It also preserves chemical equilibrium within living cells. Water (as a solvent) acts as a transport medium within organisms for nutrients and wastes and helps to reduce sudden temperature changes in plants and animals.

Answer 3

because it washes anything