Question

Relate the structure of water to its ability to act like a solvent

Answer 1

Water is a polar molecule, which means one part of the molecule is partially positive, the other part is partially negative. When an ionic compound is dissolved in water, the cation is attracted to the negative pole of the molecule while the anion is attracted to the positive pole.  

When another polar compound (i.e. ammonia) is dissolved in water, the negative pole of the molecule is drawn to the positive pole of water, and vice versa.

Answer 2

Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances, which is why it is such a good solvent. And, water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. This is important to every living thing on earth.

I hope that’s help:)