What is a characteristic of a solvent?

A solvent is characterized by its ability to dissolve or disperse other substances, forming a solution. This fundamental property allows solvents to play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including solutions in both laboratory settings and everyday applications. For example, water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it essential in countless biological and chemical processes.

The other characteristics mentioned do not accurately describe a solvent. Solvents are not always colorless; for instance, many organic solvents can be colored. A solvent can indeed be another liquid; for example, ethanol can act as a solvent for many substances. Additionally, solvents do not have a fixed boiling point; they can have a range of boiling points depending on their composition and the presence of impurities. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a solvent is its capacity to dissolve or disperse other substances.