Question

One brand of ethyl alcohol (Everclear) is \(95 \%\) ethyl alcohol, with the remaining \(5 \%\) being water. What is the solvent and what is the solute of this solution?

Short answer

The solvent is ethyl alcohol, and the solute is water.

Step-by-step solution

Define Solute and Solvent

The solute is the substance that is dissolved in a solution, while the solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute. In most solutions, the solvent is the substance present in the greater amount.

Analyze Composition of Everclear

The composition of Everclear consists of 95% ethyl alcohol and 5% water. From this, we can determine that the majority component is ethyl alcohol.

Identify the Solvent

Since ethyl alcohol makes up 95% of the solution, it is the predominant component. Therefore, ethyl alcohol is the solvent in this solution.

Identify the Solute

The remaining 5% is water, which means water is the smaller component of the solution. Thus, water is the solute in this solution.

Key concepts

Ethyl Alcohol

Ethyl alcohol, commonly known as ethanol, is an organic compound and a significant component in various household and industrial products. It's a clear, colorless liquid that is highly flammable and has a distinct odor. Ethanol's chemical formula is given by \(C_2H_5OH\).

It is widely used as a solvent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. In beverages, it is the intoxicating agent found in beer, wine, and spirits. Beyond consumption, ethanol is utilized as an intermediate in chemical syntheses, fuel for engines, and in medical formulations, thanks to its antiseptic properties.

Understanding that ethanol can act as a solvent in solutions, like in Everclear, can help in recognizing similar patterns in different solutions. The ability of ethanol to dominate the composition of a solution and determine solute-solvent relationships is crucial for students studying chemistry and related fields.

Solution Composition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture comprising a solute and a solvent. The solvent is the component that dissolves the other substances, known as solutes, within it. In most common solutions, the solvent is usually present in a greater proportion.

For example, in our given solution of Everclear, ethyl alcohol acts as the solvent because it constitutes 95% of the mixture. Whereas, the remaining 5% of the solution is water, making water the solute. This means that the solution is composed mostly of ethyl alcohol with water evenly distributed throughout.

To determine the roles of solute and solvent in any solution, remember:

• The solvent is typically the majority component.
• The solute is the minority component and is dissolved in the solvent.

This understanding assists in analyzing different solutions and identifying their respective components, which is fundamental in chemistry and applications.

Everclear Analysis

Everclear is a high-proof alcohol often used in the food and beverage industry as well as in laboratories. It is a commercially available product known for its high alcohol content.

In analyzing Everclear, it is important to look at its composition to define the solute and solvent. With 95% ethyl alcohol, it is evident that alcohol is the solvent because it dissolves other substances. This leaves water, which makes up only 5% of the solution, as the solute.

When conducting an Everclear analysis, understanding its components helps in determining its applications and effects. For students, analyzing solutions like Everclear can illustrate broader concepts of chemistry by:

• Offering insights into mixing ratios and their impact on chemical properties.
• Highlighting the role of each constituent in physical and chemical behaviors.

Such analyses are essential in both academic settings and practical applications like spirit production and laboratory experiments.