s8pe-31001-ca 11/9/05 5:03 PM Page 308 MAZER PDF

Solutes and Solvents

reading tip
The words solvent and solute
are both related to the Latin
word solvere, which means
“to loosen.”
Like other mixtures, a solution has definite parts. A solvent is a sub-
stance that dissolves a solute. A solute (SAHL-yoot) is a substance
that is dissolved to make a solution. When a solute dissolves, it sepa-
rates into individual particles. It is not possible to identify the solute
and solvent as different substances in a solution.
In a solution of table salt and water, the salt is the solute and the
water is the solvent. In the cells of your body, substances such as
calcium ions and sugar are solutes, and water is the solvent. Water is
the most common and important solvent. Other substances can also
be solvents. For example, if you have ever used an oil-based paint you
know that water will not clean the paintbrushes. Instead, a solvent like
turpentine must be used.

Check Your Reading What is the difference between a solute and a solvent?

Types of Solutions
You probably think of solutions as solids dissolved in liquids. However,
solutes, solvents, and solutions can be gases, liquids, or solids. For
example, oxygen, a gas, is dissolved in seawater. The bubbles in car-
bonated drinks come from the release of carbon dioxide gas that was
dissolved in the drink.
In some solutions, both the solute and the solvent are in
Gas Solution the same physical state. Vinegar, for example, is a solution of
Air is oxygen acetic acid in water. In a solution of two liquids, it may be diffi-
and other gases
dissolved in cult to say which substance is the solute and which is the
nitrogen. solvent. In general, the substance present in the greater
amount is the solvent. In vinegar, water is the solvent and
acetic acid is the solute.
Bronze is a solid solution. Tin is the solute and copper is
the solvent. Solid solutions are not formed as solids. Instead,
Solid Solution
Bronze consists
the solvent metal is heated until it melts and becomes a liquid.
of tin dissolved Then the solute is added, and the substances are thoroughly
in copper. mixed together. When the mixture cools, it is a solid solution.
Solutions made of combinations of gases are also common.
The air you breathe is a solution. Nitrogen makes up the largest
portion of air, so it is the solvent. Other gases present, such as
oxygen and carbon dioxide, are solutes.
Liquid Solution
Water often
When substances in a solution are in the same physical
contains many
state, which is the solvent?
dissolved
substances.

308 Unit 3: Chemical Interactions