
Solvent properties
Solvent properties refer to a liquid's ability to dissolve other substances. A good solvent can evenly disperse or break down various materials, forming a solution. Factors influencing this include the solvent's polarity (charge distribution), temperature, and chemical structure. For example, water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve many substances due to its polarity. Solvents are essential in processes like cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical reactions, where they help transport or modify materials efficiently. Their effectiveness depends on matching the solvent's properties with the nature of the substance to be dissolved.