Which of the following is considered a universal solvent?

Water is recognized as a universal solvent due to its unique chemical properties that allow it to dissolve a wide variety of substances. This capability stems from its polar molecular structure, where one end of the molecule is slightly positive, and the other end is slightly negative. This polarity enables water to interact with and break down different ionic and polar compounds, making it incredibly effective in dissolving salts, sugars, acids, and other substances.

In contrast, while alcohol and acetone can also dissolve many compounds, their effectiveness does not match that of water. They are not universally applicable solvents in the same way because they do not dissolve as many substances as water does. Oils, being non-polar, primarily dissolve non-polar substances and are ineffective against polar compounds, which further differentiates them from water's extensive capabilities. Thus, water's ability to dissolve a diverse range of chemicals reinforces its status as the universal solvent.