Define the terms solute, solvent, and solution.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The terms solute, solvent, and solution are fundamental concepts in chemistry that describe the components of mixtures, particularly solutions.
- Solute: A solute is the substance that is dissolved in a solvent. It is typically present in a smaller quantity compared to the solvent. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas that disperses uniformly in the solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture. Common examples of solutes include salt in water, sugar in tea, and carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages.
- Solvent: A solvent is the substance in which the solute dissolves. It is usually present in a larger quantity and determines the physical state of the solution (e.g., liquid, gas). Water is the most common solvent, often referred to as the “universal solvent” due to its ability to dissolve many different types of substances. Other examples of solvents include ethanol, acetone, and hexane.
- Solution: A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent. The solute and solvent form a single phase, with the solute molecules or ions evenly distributed throughout the solvent. Solutions can be in various states of matter, including solid (e.g., alloys), liquid (e.g., saltwater), or gas (e.g., air, which is a solution of gases like nitrogen and oxygen).
In a solution, the solute particles are broken down and surrounded by the solvent molecules. This occurs through intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, or Van der Waals forces, depending on the nature of the solute and solvent. A solution is often characterized by properties such as uniformity, transparency, and the ability to conduct electricity (in the case of electrolytes). The concentration of a solution depends on the amount of solute relative to the solvent, and it can be expressed in various units, such as molarity, molality, or mass percent.