In a solution, which component is the minor component that dissolves in the solvent?

In a solution, which component is the minor component that dissolves in the solvent?

• A. Solvent
• B. Solute
• C. Mixture
• D. Physical Property

Answer: (B)

In a solution, there are two parts: the solvent, which is the substance doing the dissolving and is usually present in the larger amount, and the solute, the substance that is dissolved and is present in smaller amounts. The solute spreads evenly throughout the solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture. For example, when sugar dissolves in water, water is the solvent and sugar is the solute. Therefore, the minor component that dissolves in the solvent is the solute. The solvent is the larger part, a mixture is the combined result, and a physical property is not a component of a solution.

In a solution, there are two parts: the solvent, which is the substance doing the dissolving and is usually present in the larger amount, and the solute, the substance that is dissolved and is present in smaller amounts. The solute spreads evenly throughout the solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture. For example, when sugar dissolves in water, water is the solvent and sugar is the solute. Therefore, the minor component that dissolves in the solvent is the solute. The solvent is the larger part, a mixture is the combined result, and a physical property is not a component of a solution.