Why is water called a universal solvent?

Water is called the universal solvent because it can dissolve a large number of substances compared to most other liquids. Many solids, liquids, and gases dissolve easily in water. For example, salt, sugar, minerals, and gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolve in water.

This property of water is very important in nature and in living organisms. It helps in:

• Transporting nutrients in plants and animals
• Carrying dissolved minerals in rivers and oceans
• Supporting many chemical reactions in living cells

However, it is not truly universal because some substances such as oil and wax do not dissolve in water.