The solute and solvent They are the components of a chemical solution, that is, of a homogeneous mixture that occurs when one or more substances are dissolved in another substance.
The solute is the substance that dissolves in another substance. For instance: sugar that dissolves in water. The solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute. For instance: Water (Although this differentiation between solute and solvent is sometimes considered somewhat arbitrary).
The combination of the solute and the solvent produces a mixture that may have different properties than each had before mixing. This solution is homogeneous because the mixed substances cannot be differentiated. For instance: sugar (solute) + water (solvent) = sugar water (solution).
The combination of a solute and a solvent is also called a solution.
The water is known as the universal solvent since there are many substances that can be diluted in it.
Solute characteristics
- It can be in liquid, gaseous or solid state.
- In some cases, your physical state changes as you join the solution.
- It is found to a lesser extent in the solution (compared to the solvent).
- Its ability to be diluted increases in solvents that are at higher temperatures.
- It has a certain degree of solubility, that is, the ability of the solute to dissolve in another substance.
Solvent characteristics
- It is also called a “solvent.”
- It is almost always in a liquid state.
- It is usually found in a higher proportion than the solute in a solution.
- He almost always keeps his fitness in solution.
Examples of solutes and solvents
- Solution: Chocolate milk
- Solute: cocoa powder
- Solvent: milk
- Solution: Vitamin C supplement
- Solute: effervescent vitamin C tablet
- Solvent: water
- Solution: Soda
- Solute: carbon dioxide
- Solvent: water
- Solution: Vinegar
- Solute: acetic acid
- Solvent: water
- Solution: Steel
- Solute: carbon
- Solvent: cast iron
- Solution: Amalgam
- Solute: metal
- Solvent: molten mercury
- Solution: Bronze
- Solute: tin
- Solvent: molten copper
- Solution: Alcoholic drink
- Solute: alcohol
- Solvent: water
- Solution: Brass
- Solute: zinc
- Solvent: copper
- Solution: White Gold
- Solute: silver
- Solvent: gold
- Solution: Lemonade
- Solute: lemon
- Solvent: water
- Solution: Gelatin
- Solute: gelatin powder
- Solvent: hot and cold water