What is the substance called that is being dissolved in a solution? * A. Solute B. Solvent C. Solution D. Water
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Solute
In a solution, the substance that is being dissolved is called the solute. A solution is a homogeneous mixture made up of two or more substances. The solute is the component that is present in a smaller amount and is dissolved by the solvent, which is the substance in a greater amount.
For example, when you dissolve table salt in water, the salt is the solute, and the water is the solvent. Once the salt dissolves, it disperses evenly throughout the water, forming a saltwater solution. Even though the salt particles are no longer visible, they are still present in the solution and can be recovered by processes such as evaporation.
The solvent is typically the component that determines the physical state of the solution. In most everyday examples, the solvent is a liquid, and the most common solvent is water. This is why water is often referred to as the “universal solvent” because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. However, the solvent does not have to be water. It can be any liquid, and in some cases, even gases or solids can act as solvents.
The solution is the final uniform mixture of solute and solvent. In a solution, the particles of solute are completely surrounded by particles of the solvent, allowing the mixture to appear as a single phase. This uniform distribution gives solutions their clear and consistent appearance.
To summarize:
- The solute is the substance that dissolves.
- The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving.
- The solution is the resulting mixture.
Understanding these terms is essential in chemistry and helps explain processes in biology, medicine, and environmental science.
