Humber Admissions Practice Test

In a solution, what is the term for the substance that is dissolved?

1. Solvent

2. Solution

3. Solute

4. Suspension

The correct answer is: Solute

In the context of a solution, the term for the substance that is dissolved is known as the solute. A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance is uniformly distributed within another. In this scenario, the solute is the component that gets dissolved, while the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. For instance, when salt is mixed with water, salt acts as the solute and the water is the solvent. Understanding the roles of solute and solvent is fundamental in chemistry, as it helps in comprehending how mixtures form, their properties, and their behavior in various conditions. The term "suspension" refers to a mixture where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but are not dissolved and can settle over time, which is distinct from a solution. "Solution" refers to the entire homogeneous mixture resulting from the dissolution process, and "solvent" specifically denotes the substance that dissolves the solute. Thus, the accurate identification of the solute is essential in the study of solutions and mixtures.