Question

A person with swollen gums rinses his mouth with a warm saltwater solution, and the swelling decreases. What is this saltwater solution made up of?

A. Both water and salt are solvents.
B. Salt as a solute and water as a solvent.
C. Salt as a solvent and water as a solute.
D. Both water and salt are solutes.

Answer 1

A warm saltwater solution that decreases gum swelling is composed of water as the solvent and salt as the solute, forming a homogeneous mixture or solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The saltwater solution is made up of salt and water where salt acts as a solute and water acts as the solvent. When table salt (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it creates a homogeneous mixture known as a solution. In this process, the solvent (water) dissolves the solute (salt), and the ions present in the salt get surrounded by the molecules of water.

Saltwater acts as a single substance, making it effective for reducing swelling in tissues, such as swollen gums, due to its osmotic effects. This saltwater solution is commonly known as saline water, which has numerous applications in medical treatments and daily hygiene practices.