Problem 90 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

Define each of the following terms: solution, solvent, and solute.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Solutions are uniform mixtures; the solvent is the major component, and the solute is the minor one.

Step 1: Understanding a Solution

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, the components are uniformly distributed, meaning that any sample taken from the solution will have the same composition.

Step 2: Identifying the Solvent

The solvent is the component of a solution that is present in the greatest amount. It is the substance that dissolves the solute, creating a uniform mixture. In most cases, the solvent is a liquid, but there are solutions in gases and solids as well.

Step 3: Identifying the Solute

The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent. It is present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent. In a solution, the solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas and is uniformly distributed throughout the solvent.

Key Concepts

Homogeneous Mixture

When you think about a solution, picture a perfectly mixed blend of substances. This is what we call a homogeneous mixture. Here, the components are so evenly distributed that any sample from the mixture is just like any other section of it. That means the composition, or what the mixture is made of, is consistent all the way through.

For example, imagine you're enjoying a sugary lemonade. The sugar, when completely dissolved in the water, ends up distributed evenly throughout the drink. So, every sip you take tastes just the same. This is because sugary lemonade is a homogeneous mixture, where the sugar and water are uniformly combined.

• Uniformity ensures an even distribution of all parts.
• Each sample from the mixture has the same properties.
• Examples include sugar in water and air.

Solvent

Think of the solvent as the host of a solution party. It's the part of the solution that's present in the largest amount. Its role is to dissolve the guest component, known as the solute, creating harmony in the form of a uniform solution.

**Role of the Solvent**
The solvent's job is to disperse the solute particles and keep them evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This process of dispersion results in a homogeneous mixture. Most commonly, the solvent is a liquid, like water, which is deemed a 'universal solvent' due to its wide applicability.

• Major part of the solution by volume.
• Common example: Water in sugar water.
• Can be a liquid, gas, or solid.

Solute

In any good solution, the solute is the star of the show, often contributing to the unique features of the solution, like taste or color. The solute is the substance that gets dissolved in the solvent. It's present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent.

**Characteristics of a Solute**
The solute can come in many forms, including solids like salt and sugar, liquids like alcohol, or gases like carbon dioxide. Once it dissolves, it disperses evenly within the solvent, ensuring that the mixture becomes uniform.

• Present in a smaller amount within the mixture.
• Comes in different states: solid, liquid, gas.
• Example: Salt in saltwater or sugar in tea.