A 67-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease presents with confusion, nausea, and muscle weakness. Lab tests reveal severe hyperkalemia (K⁺ = 7.2 mEq/L). The doctor explains that water is a universal solvent, allowing for the transport and distribution of electrolytes, but in kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances can occur due to impaired filtration. Which property of water makes it an excellent solvent for electrolytes like potassium (K⁺) and sodium (Na⁺)?
