What is the Difference Between Solvent and Solute?

The main difference between a solvent and a solute lies in their definitions and roles in a solution. A solute is a substance that can be dissolved into a solution by a solvent, while a solvent is a substance in which a solute is dissolved. Here are some key differences between solute and solvent:

• Physical state: A solute may be in solid, liquid, or gaseous state, while most solvents are in liquid phase, but few solvents may be in solid or gaseous phase.
• Solubility: Solubility of a solute in a solvent is determined by factors such as surface area and molecule size, while solubility of a solvent depends on its properties, such as polarity.
• Heat transfer: Heat is transferred to the solute in a solution, while heat is transferred from the liquid to the solution.
• Boiling point: The boiling point of the solute is higher than that of the solution, while the boiling point of the solvent is lower than that of the solutes.

Examples of solutes include sugar, dissolved carbon dioxide, oxygen, and salt. Examples of solvents include water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate.

Comparative Table: Solvent vs Solute

Here is a table summarizing the differences between solvents and solutes:

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of a solute in a solvent. The solvent is the medium in which the solute particles are dispersed and surrounded. Solute particles can be atoms, ions, or molecules, depending on the type of substance that has been dissolved. The dissolved substances in an aqueous solution can be solids, gases, or other liquids.