What is a solute and solvent?

Definition

• In chemistry, a solution is a homogenous mixture of two or more components.
• The dissolved substance is referred to as a solute.
• A solvent is a substance in which the solute is dissolved.
• A solute is the component of a solution that is in lesser proportion than the solvent.

Example

• Salt is the solute that dissolves in water which is the solvent and these two generate a saline solution.
• A common solvent is a substance in which most compounds dissolve.
• Because water dissolves more chemicals than any other solvent, it is referred to as the universal solvent.