The correct answer is D. Solute
Step-by-step explanation:
In a solution, there are two main substances or elements involved these are the solute and the solvent. The solvent refers to the liquid such as water that dissolves another substance that is the solute. In this way, the solute is the substance that integrates or dissolves in the liquid or solvent and this can be liquid or solid. According to this, in the case presented the water is the solvent, the salt is the solute, and the final substance is the solution. Thus, the salt particles are referred to as the solute.