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Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent definitions

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  • Universal Solvent

    A liquid capable of dissolving a wide variety of biological molecules, making it essential for life processes.
  • Solvent

    A substance present in greater quantity that dissolves other materials, often water in biological contexts.
  • Solute

    A material present in smaller quantity that becomes dispersed within another substance during dissolution.
  • Solution

    A uniform mixture formed when one or more substances are dissolved in another, combining solute and solvent.
  • Aqueous Solution

    A mixture where water serves as the dissolving medium, allowing various substances to disperse evenly.
  • Homogeneous Solution

    A mixture with components distributed evenly throughout, resulting in a uniform appearance and composition.
  • Heterogeneous Solution

    A mixture with components distributed unevenly, leading to visibly distinct regions or layers.
  • Hydrophilic Substance

    A material that interacts well with water, dissolving easily due to its affinity for polar environments.
  • Hydrophobic Substance

    A material that resists mixing with water, tending to separate due to its nonpolar nature.
  • Ionic Bond

    An electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, often disrupted when salts dissolve in water.
  • Sodium Cation

    A positively charged ion commonly found in table salt, which interacts with water during dissolution.
  • Chloride Anion

    A negatively charged ion paired with sodium in salt, surrounded by water molecules when dissolved.
  • Hydration Shell

    A cluster of water molecules encircling dissolved ions or molecules, facilitating their dispersion in solution.
  • Polar Molecule

    A compound with uneven charge distribution, enhancing its ability to interact with and dissolve in water.
  • Nonpolar Molecule

    A compound lacking significant charge separation, resulting in poor interaction with water and limited solubility.