“Essential Features of Water: The Universal Liquid That Sustains Life, Balances Nature, Powers Earth’s Ecosystem”

1. Universal Solvent Detailed Explanation: Water is known as the “universal solvent” because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This happens due to its polar nature — the water molecule (H₂O) has one side positively charged (hydrogen) and the other side negatively charged (oxygen). This allows it to attract and break apart ionic and polar molecules like salts and sugars. Example: In our body, water dissolves minerals, oxygen, and nutrients in blood and transports them to cells. Similarly, in nature, rainwater dissolves minerals from rocks and carries them to rivers and oceans. 2. Tasteless and Odorless Detailed Explanation: Pure water has no taste or smell. The taste and odor sometimes noticed in tap or natural water are due to dissolved minerals, salts, or gases. Its neutrality makes it suitable for drinking, cooking, and laboratory use. Example: Distilled water, which is purified, is completely tasteless and odorless and is often used in medical and scientif...