- Water is a polar solvent due to its molecular structure, with oxygen having a partial negative charge and hydrogen having partial positive charges. This allows it to dissolve ionic compounds by interacting with and separating the ions. - Ionic compounds dissolve to varying degrees in water depending on how strongly the ions are attracted to each other versus water molecules. Solubility can be measured in g/L. - Acids donate H+ ions in water and are classified as strong or weak based on how completely they ionize. Their strength affects pH calculations. Bases accept H+ and similarly ionize more or less completely.