In a solution, which statement correctly identifies solvent and solute?

In a solution, which statement correctly identifies solvent and solute?

• A. The solute is the substance that dissolves the solute.
• B. The solvent is the substance that is dissolved by the solute.
• C. The solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute; the solute is the substance dissolved.
• D. The solvent and solute are always the same substance.

Answer: (C)

In a solution, the solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute, and the solute is the substance dissolved. This means the solvent acts as the dissolving medium, while the solute is what gets dissolved into it. For example, when sugar is stirred into water, water is the solvent and sugar is the solute. The solvent is usually present in the greater amount and provides the environment in which the solute disperses. The other statements mix up the roles or claim the two are the same substance, which doesn’t fit how solutions are described.

In a solution, the solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute, and the solute is the substance dissolved. This means the solvent acts as the dissolving medium, while the solute is what gets dissolved into it. For example, when sugar is stirred into water, water is the solvent and sugar is the solute. The solvent is usually present in the greater amount and provides the environment in which the solute disperses. The other statements mix up the roles or claim the two are the same substance, which doesn’t fit how solutions are described.