Question

What is the difference a solute and solvent?

Answer 1

In a solution made up of a solid and a liquid, the liquid is the solvent and the solid is the solute. However, one CAN have a solid dissolved in a solid or a gas dissolved in a gas (or a gas dissolved in a liquid or a gas dissolved in a solid). In the case of a solid dissolved in a solid or a gas dissolved in a gas, the LARGER quantity of the solid or gas is designated as the solvent and the smaller quantity of the solid or gas is designated as the solute.