A solute and a solvent are the two main components of a solution, but they play different roles:
Solute
- The substance that gets dissolved.
- Usually present in a smaller amount.
- Can be solid, liquid, or gas.
- Example: In saltwater, salt (NaCl) is the solute.
Solvent
- The substance that does the dissolving.
- Usually present in a larger amount.
- Determines the state of the solution (solid, liquid, or gas).
- Example: In saltwater, water (H₂O) is the solvent.
Key difference
- Solute = what is being dissolved.
- Solvent = what dissolves the solute.
Example: In a sugar solution, sugar = solute, and water = solvent.