What is a solvent?

A solvent is defined as a substance that dissolves other materials, forming a solution. In this context, the term "solvent" typically refers to a liquid that can dissolve solutes, which are the substances being dissolved. The most common example is water, often referred to as the "universal solvent" due to its ability to dissolve many different substances.

In chemistry, the relationship between a solvent and a solute is crucial to understanding solution chemistry. When you mix a solvent with a solute, the solvent surrounds the solute particles, separating and dispersing them throughout the solution, which is fundamental in various chemical reactions and processes.

The other options emphasize different ideas that don't accurately capture the definition of a solvent. While some substances can be mixed, not all mixtures involve dissolving, and the presence of solids does not define a solvent. Similarly, a reaction product refers to substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction, diverging from the concept of a substance that dissolves others. Understanding the role of a solvent is vital in both chemistry and real-life applications, such as pharmaceuticals and cooking.