What is a solute in a solution?

A solute is defined as the substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. In a typical solution, such as saltwater, the salt is the solute because it undergoes dissolution when mixed with water, which acts as the solvent. The process involves the solute particles being separated and surrounded by solvent molecules, leading to the uniform distribution of the solute within the solution. This definition is fundamental to understanding solutions in chemistry, as it emphasizes the role of the solute in altering the properties of the solvent and creating a new homogeneous mixture.

In contrast, the solvent is the component that does the dissolving and is typically present in greater quantity. The description of the resulting mixture as a solution encompasses both solute and solvent but does not specifically define either. Chemical reactions can occur in some solutions, but this term is not relevant when defining solutes. Therefore, understanding the specific role of the solute in the dissolution process is crucial for grasping the concept of solutions in chemistry.