Solute vs Solvent- Definition, 10 Major Differences, And Examples
Solute Definition:
A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. The solute is present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent, and it is the component that determines the concentration of a solution. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and it can affect the physical properties of the solution, such as boiling point and freezing point. The solute can also be an ionic or covalent compound, and it can be an electrolyte or nonelectrolyte.
Pointwise Definition:
- A substance that is dissolved in a solvent.
- Present in smaller amounts compared to the solvent.
- Determines the concentration of a solution.
- Can be a solid, liquid, or gas.
- Affects the physical properties of a solution.
- Can be an ionic or covalent compound.
- Can be an electrolyte or nonelectrolyte.
- Forms the minority of a solution.
- Does not alter the nature of the solvent.
- Dissolved in the solvent to form a solution.
20 Examples of Solutes:
- Alcohol in water
- Salt in water
- Mercury in a thermometer.
- Sugar in water
- The acetic acid in water
- Sodium chloride in water
- Calcium chloride in water
- Ammonium nitrate in water
- Magnesium sulfate in water
- Potassium hydroxide in water
- Ethanol in gasoline
- Oxygen in air
- Nitrogen in air
- Hydrogen in air
- Methanol in water
- Carbon dioxide in soda
- Copper sulfate in water
- Ferric chloride in water
- Zinc sulfate in water
- Gold in a gold alloy
Solvent Definition:
A solvent is a substance that is capable of dissolving other substances to form a solution. It is the component that is present in a larger amount in a solution and it determines the volume of the solution. The solvent is usually a liquid and its physical properties, such as boiling point and freezing point, can be altered by the presence of the solute. A solvent can be polar or nonpolar and it is typically a nonelectrolyte. The solvent dissolves the solute to form a solution and it forms the majority of the solution.
Pointwise definition:
- A substance capable of dissolving other substances to form a solution.
- Present in larger amounts compared to the solute.
- Determines the volume of a solution.
- Usually a liquid.
- Physical properties can be altered by the presence of the solute.
- Can be polar or nonpolar.
- Typically a nonelectrolyte.
- Dissolves the solute to form a solution.
- Forms the majority of a solution.
- Alters the nature of the solute.
20 examples of solvents:
- Water
- Acetone
- Methanol
- Ethanol
- Isopropanol
- Ethyl acetate
- Hexane
- Toluene
- Kerosene
- Dichloromethane
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
- Dimethylformamide (DMF)
- Propylene glycol
- Glycerol
- Mineral oil
- Vegetable oil
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Light petroleum
- Heavy petroleum.
10 Major Differences Between Solute And Solvent
- Composition: A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. A solvent is a medium in which the solute is dissolved.
- Concentration: The concentration of the solute in the solution is always less than that of the solvent.
- Amount: The amount of solute used in a solution can vary, but the amount of solvent remains constant.
- Physical state: The physical state of the solute and the solvent can be different. For example, a solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas, while a solvent can be a liquid.
- Interaction: The solute and solvent interact to form a solution. The solute molecules are surrounded by solvent molecules.
- Dissolving power: The solvent has the ability to dissolve the solute. The ability of a solvent to dissolve a solute depends on its properties, such as polarity, temperature, and pressure.
- Properties: The properties of a solution, such as viscosity, boiling point, and freezing point, are dependent on the concentration of the solute and the properties of the solvent.
- Separation: Solutions can be separated into their constituent solute and solvent by physical processes, such as evaporation or filtration.
- Saturation: The concentration of solute in a solution can be increased until the solvent reaches saturation and can no longer dissolve the solute.
- Role: The solute is the active component in a solution, while the solvent plays a passive role. The solute determines the chemical and physical properties of the solution, while the solvent provides the medium in the solute to dissolve.
