What are the characteristics of each type of solvent?

Polar solvents have molecules with an uneven distribution of charge meaning they have regions of partial positive and partial negative charge. These solvents dissolve polar solutes. These solvents are also characterized by the presence of bonds between atoms with significantly different electronegativities, such as the bonds between oxygen and hydrogen in molecules like water. They also possess large dipole moments. 

Non-polar solvents have molecules with an even distribution of charge, resulting in no significant partial positive or negative regions. Since the atoms in a molecule share similar electronegativities, the resulting bonds don’t exhibit partial charges. Non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar solutes and possess none to little dipole moments. 

Polar protic solvents are characterized by their high dielectric constants and large dipole moments. They contain N-H or O-H bonds, enabling them to engage in hydrogen bonding. Additionally, these solvents can act as sources of protons (acids) and weak nucleophiles, generating bonds with strong electrophiles. 

Polar aprotic solvents possess relatively small dipole moments and low dielectric constants (typically ranging between 5 and 20). Unlike polar protic solvents, they lack O-H or N-H bonds, making them aprotic. Essentially, they act as a medium for reactions and do not actively participate in the chemical transformations themselves.