What term describes the ability of a substance to mix with water?

The term that describes the ability of a substance to mix with water is solubility. Solubility specifically refers to the maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure. This concept is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as it impacts how substances behave in water and can affect reactions and interactions within different environments.

Mixability and compatibility are terms that might refer to the general ability of substances to mix or work well together, but they do not specifically define the interaction with water. Miscibility, while it may sound similar, generally describes the ability of two liquids to blend to form a homogeneous solution, which is usually not limited to interactions with water alone. Thus, solubility is the most accurate term that focuses on a substance's capacity to dissolve in water.