Final answer:
A solvent dissolves a solute, forming a homogeneous mixture called a solution. It is usually a liquid but can also be other states of matter, with water being the most common solvent. 'Like dissolves like' is a key rule for solubility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of a solvent is to dissolve a solute in order to form a solution. In this process, known as solvation, the individual particles of the solute are surrounded by solvent molecules. As the solute dissolves, these particles become separated from each other and are distributed evenly throughout the solution, creating a homogenous mixture. The solvent often is a liquid, but it can also be a solid, a gas, or a supercritical fluid, with water being referred to as the 'universal solvent' due to its remarkable ability to dissolve many substances.
In everyday life and various industries, solvents have a wide range of applications. They are used in items such as dry cleaning solutions, paint thinners, nail polish removers, and detergents, as well as in chemical syntheses and purification processes. An important principle in solution chemistry is 'Like dissolves like,' which means that a solvent usually dissolves solutes that have similar chemical properties.