In a solution, what is the solvent?

In a solution, what is the solvent?

• A. The liquid in which a solute dissolves.
• B. The substance that dissolves the solvent.
• C. The solid that dissolves in the solvent.
• D. The substance that is dissolved.

Answer: (A)

A solution has a solvent, which is the substance that provides the medium and does the dissolving. It’s usually the component present in the greatest amount. In water-based solutions, water is the solvent, and the substance that dissolves in it (like salt or sugar) is the solute. So “the liquid in which a solute dissolves” correctly identifies the solvent. The other descriptions mix up roles: the substance that dissolves the solvent isn’t how dissolution works; the solid that dissolves in the solvent describes the solute; and the substance that is dissolved is also the solute.

A solution has a solvent, which is the substance that provides the medium and does the dissolving. It’s usually the component present in the greatest amount. In water-based solutions, water is the solvent, and the substance that dissolves in it (like salt or sugar) is the solute. So “the liquid in which a solute dissolves” correctly identifies the solvent. The other descriptions mix up roles: the substance that dissolves the solvent isn’t how dissolution works; the solid that dissolves in the solvent describes the solute; and the substance that is dissolved is also the solute.