Question

Define solute, solvent, and solution by describing the process of dissolving a solid in a liquid.

Short answer

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to create a solution. A solvent is the component that does the dissolving. A solution is the resulting homogeneous mixture of the solute and the solvent.

Step-by-step solution

Define Solute

The solute is the component of a solution that is dissolved in a solvent. In the context of a solid dissolving in a liquid, the solute would be the solid substance. For example, if you dissolve salt in water, the salt would be the solute.

Define Solvent

The solvent is the component of a solution that does the dissolving. In other words, it is the substance in which the solute is dissolved. In the example of salt dissolving in water, water would be the solvent.

Define Solution

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In such a mixture, a solute is a substance dissolved in another substance, known as a solvent. Therefore, when the solute (salt) dissolves in the solvent (water), the resulting homogeneous mixture is referred to as a solution.