Question

A solution is prepared by combining \(2.09 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(35.5 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} .\) Identify the solute and solvent.

Short answer

Solute is \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\); solvent is \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definitions

The solute is a substance that is dissolved in another substance, the solvent. Typically, the solvent is present in a larger quantity than the solute.

Compare the Quantities

Compare the given masses of the two substances: - Mass of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) is \(2.09\,\mathrm{g}\) - Mass of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) is \(35.5\,\mathrm{g}\). The substance with the larger mass is usually considered the solvent.

Identify the Solute and Solvent

Since \(35.5\,\mathrm{g}\) of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) is greater than \(2.09\,\mathrm{g}\) of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) is the solvent and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) is the solute.

Key concepts

Solution Composition

When we talk about solution composition, we're referring to the blend of substances that come together to form a solution. A solution consists of two main parts: the solute and the solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved, while the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. Together, they create a homogeneous mixture where the solute is distributed evenly throughout the solvent.
In our example, we have carbon dioxide \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and water \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\). When \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) is mixed with \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\), the \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) disperses throughout the water, resulting in a fizzy solution like a soda. The consistent distribution of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) makes the solution uniform in its properties and ensures that every sip of your drink has the same taste and bubble level.

Mass Comparison

Mass comparison is a crucial step in identifying the solute and solvent in a solution. By contrasting the masses of the substances involved, we can ascertain which component is the solute and which is the solvent.
In our problem, we have the masses: \(2.09 \, \mathrm{g}\) of carbon dioxide and \(35.5 \, \mathrm{g}\) of water.

• Since \(35.5 \, \mathrm{g}\) of water is larger than \(2.09 \, \mathrm{g}\) of carbon dioxide, it indicates that water is the solvent.
• The smaller mass of carbon dioxide suggests that it is the solute.

Mass is used to determine components in this way because the solvent is usually present in greater quantity. This principle helps us identify roles in many solutions where substances may appear visually similar.

Solvent Definition

The term "solvent" refers to the part of a solution that does the dissolving. It's typically present in a greater amount compared to the solute. The solvent's role is to disperse the solute molecules, leading to a consistent mixture.
In the case of our exercise, water \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) acts as the solvent.

• Water is renowned for its exceptional ability to dissolve numerous substances, earning it the nickname "universal solvent."
• In this scenario, it dissolves \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), leading to a balanced solution where the carbon dioxide is evenly distributed.

Understanding how solvents function is vital in chemistry because it impacts how substances interact in solutions, influencing everything from simple drinks to complex biochemical systems.