Study Guides/Chemistry/What is Solute and Solvent
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What is Solute and Solvent? (Solutions in Chemistry)

When you dissolve sugar in water to make lemonade, you are creating a Solution. In Class 9 Chemistry (Is Matter Around Us Pure?), understanding the two components of a solution โ€” the Solute and the Solvent โ€” is the first step.

Question (Click to Flip)

Can solute and solvent be the same state of matter?

Answer

Yes. When two liquids dissolve in each other (like ethanol and water), the one present in larger quantity is the solvent.

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Key Facts

Water is called the Universal Solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid on Earth!

Definitions

Solution = Solute + Solvent

  • Solute: The substance that is dissolved. It is present in the smaller amount. (Example: Sugar, Salt)
  • Solvent: The substance that does the dissolving. It is present in the larger amount. (Example: Water)

When salt is dissolved in water โ†’ Salt is the solute, Water is the solvent, and the resulting salt water is the solution.

Types of Solutions

Solutions are not just liquid! Based on the state of solute and solvent:

  • Solid in Liquid: Salt water, sugar syrup
  • Gas in Liquid: Soda water (COโ‚‚ dissolved in water)
  • Liquid in Liquid: Alcohol in water
  • Solid in Solid: Alloys like brass (Zinc dissolved in Copper)

Key Properties

  • A solution is always homogeneous (uniform throughout โ€” no visible particles).
  • The solute does not settle at the bottom.
  • The solution cannot be separated by filtration.

Questions and Answers

Can solute and solvent be the same state of matter?+

Yes. When two liquids dissolve in each other (like ethanol and water), the one present in *larger* quantity is the solvent.

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