In a solution, what term describes the substance that is dissolved in the solvent?

In a solution, what term describes the substance that is dissolved in the solvent?

• A. Solute
• B. Solvent
• C. Solution
• D. Mixture

Answer: (A)

In a solution, the substance dissolved in the solvent is called the solute. The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving and is present in the larger amount. Together, solute and solvent form a solution, which is typically a uniform mixture. For example, salt dissolved in water: salt is the solute, water is the solvent. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas. A mixture is a broader category and doesn’t have to be uniform, so it’s not the specific term for the dissolved substance.

In a solution, the substance dissolved in the solvent is called the solute. The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving and is present in the larger amount. Together, solute and solvent form a solution, which is typically a uniform mixture. For example, salt dissolved in water: salt is the solute, water is the solvent. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas. A mixture is a broader category and doesn’t have to be uniform, so it’s not the specific term for the dissolved substance.