Question

what is the universal solvent?

Answer 1

Any solvent that dissolves most chemicals. water is called the universal solvent as it dissolves the maximum number of chemicals. This behavior is observed due to the polar nature of the water molecule.

Answer 2

A universal solvent is a substance that dissolves most chemicals. Water is called the universal solvent because it dissolves more substances than any other solvent. However, no solvent, including water, dissolves every chemical. Typically, "like dissolves like." This mean polar solvents dissolve polar molecules, such as salts. Nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar molecules such as fats and other organic compounds. i hope this helps... :)

Answer 3

Universal solvent is a concept from alchemy, the ancient precursor to chemistry. The universal solvent could supposedly dissolve any element, even gold. While chemicals that can dissolve gold have be found, a true universal solvent has not.