Final answer:
Water's ability as a solvent is due to the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which allows it to dissolve other polar molecules and ions easily.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water is a polar molecule, which means it has slightly positive and negative charges. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other. Hydrogen bonding occurs between the positive hydrogen end of one water molecule and the negative oxygen end of another.
The presence of hydrogen bonds in water affects its ability to act as a solvent. Because water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules and ions, it can dissolve these substances easily. This is why water is referred to as a universal solvent. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules also contribute to other unique properties of water, such as its high heat capacity and its ability to expand when freezing.