Final answer:
The majority component of a solution is known as the solvent, while the minority component is the solute. Solvent is present in a greater quantity by mass or moles, and the solution typically shares the same phase as the solvent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The majority of a solution's composition is the solvent while the minority is the solute. By definition, the solvent is the component of the solution that is in greater quantity, either by mass or by moles. In contrast, the solute is present in a lesser quantity, making it the minor component of the solution.
For example, if you have a solution of sugar in water, water is the solvent because there is more of it, and sugar is the solute. The fact that the resulting solution is the same phase as water (liquid) also suggests that water is indeed the solvent, adhering to the description that typically the major component, or solvent, is the same phase as the solution itself. This helps to clearly distinguish between the solute and solvent when there is no ambiguity.