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What is solute vs solvent? Give example

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A solvent is a substance in which other substances can be dissolved, whereas a solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent. In other words, a solute is a substance that is dissolved to form a solution, while a solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute.

For example, when salt is added to water, the salt is the solute and the water is the solvent. The salt dissolves in the water, forming a solution. Another example would be adding sugar to a cup of coffee, where the sugar is the solute and the coffee is the solvent.

It's important to note that the roles of solute and solvent can sometimes be reversed, depending on the specific situation. For example, if a small amount of water is added to a concentrated solution of salt, the water becomes the solvent and the salt becomes the solute
User MING WU
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Final answer:

In a solution, the solvent is the substance present in the largest amount, while the solute is the substance that is present in a smaller amount. Examples include saltwater, carbonated water, sweet tea, vinegar, and brass.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a solution, the solvent is the substance present in the largest amount, while the solute is the substance that is present in a smaller amount. The solvent dissolves the solute, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. For example, in a solution of salt in water, water is the solvent and salt is the solute.

Here are some examples of different types of solutions:

  1. A solution composed of a gas solute in a liquid solvent: carbonated water, which has carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water.
  2. A solution composed of a solid solute in a liquid solvent: sweet tea, which has sugar dissolved in water.
  3. A solution composed of a liquid solute in a liquid solvent: vinegar, which has acetic acid dissolved in water.
  4. A solution composed of a solid solute in a solid solvent: brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc.
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