Question

In a solution, the substance present in the largest amount is called the substances present are called the _______, whereas the other _______.

Short answer

In a solution, the substance present in the largest amount is called the "solvent", whereas the other substances present are called the "solute".

Step-by-step solution

1. Identifying the terms

In a solution, the substance present in the largest amount is called the "solvent", while the other substances present are called the "solute". Now let's break down those terms for further understanding.

2. Definition of Solvent

A solvent is a substance that dissolves other substances, forming a homogeneous mixture called a solution. In a solution, the solvent is present in the largest amount. Example: In a saltwater solution, water acts as the solvent since it's present in the largest amount and it dissolves the salt.

3. Definition of Solute

A solute is a substance that gets dissolved in the solvent to form a homogeneous solution. It is present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent. Example: In a saltwater solution, salt acts as the solute since it's present in a smaller amount and it gets dissolved in the water. The answer to the blank spaces in the exercise are: solvent, solute, and solute.

Key concepts

Understanding Solvents in Solution Chemistry

When we explore the world of solution chemistry, we encounter a plethora of substances interacting with each other to create new mixtures. One of the most integral components of these mixtures is the solvent. Its role is pivotal because it is the substance in which other materials, or solutes, dissolve.

In practical terms, the easiest way to identify a solvent in a solution is by its quantity – it is always present in the largest amount. The versatility of solvents is seen through various examples, such as water being a universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve numerous substances. Whether it’s in the chemistry lab mixing reagents or at home making a cup of tea, the solvent plays a crucial role in the formation of solutions.

Moreover, the chemical properties of solvents like polarity, pH, and boiling point, can significantly influence how solutes will dissolve. For instance, polar solvents like water are excellent at dissolving ionic compounds like salt (sodium chloride), whereas non-polar solvents such as hexane are better suited for dissolving non-polar substances like oils.

The Role of Solutes in Solutions

On the flip side of the solvent is the solute, the substance that gets dissolved within the solvent. This combination is fascinating because it’s the solutes that undergo a physical change of dissolving but don’t undergo a chemical change; their molecular structure remains intact.

A common illustration of a solute is table salt in saltwater. Being the substance present in a lesser amount compared to the solvent, the solute interacts with the solvent on a molecular level, breaking apart its particles and distributing them evenly throughout the solvent.

It's also important to point out that heat can influence solubility. Raising the temperature generally increases the solute’s ability to dissolve. This is why sugar dissolves faster in hot tea than in iced tea. Learning about solutes also includes understanding saturation: the point where no more solute can dissolve in the solvent, leading to an excess of undissolved solute.

Homogeneous Mixtures in Daily Life

A homogeneous mixture is a uniform blend where the various ingredients, or phases, are indistinguishable from one another. In the context of solutions, when solvents and solutes come together seamlessly, they create such a mixture.

Solutions are prime examples of homogeneous mixtures because they appear as a single phase despite consisting of two or more substances. An everyday example of this is the air we breathe, which is a homogeneous mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen. These mixtures are not restricted to liquids; they can also include gas-gas and solid-liquid combinations.

Furthermore, these mixtures are crucial in industries like pharmaceuticals, where precise concentrations of solutions — homogeneous mixtures — ensure the effectiveness and safety of medications. In the kitchen, homogeneous mixtures like vinegar or soy sauce are used to enhance flavors, evidencing the practicality and wide-reaching implications of understanding homogeneous mixtures in everyday life.