Identify the solvent and the solute in vinegar, a dilute aqueous solution of acetic acid.

In aqueous solution of two liquids it really doesn't matter which we call the solvent and which the solute; however, generally, we call the liquid in greater quantity the solvent and the one in lesser amount the solute. In this case, acetic acid is the solute and H2O is the solvent.

In vinegar, the solvent is water (H2O), and the solute is acetic acid (CH3COOH).

To identify the solvent and solute in vinegar, we need to understand the composition of vinegar. Vinegar is a dilute aqueous solution of acetic acid.

In this case, the solvent is the substance that dissolves or disperses the solute, while the solute is the substance that is being dissolved or dispersed in the solvent.

In vinegar, water (H2O) is the solvent because it is the substance in which acetic acid (CH3COOH) is dissolved. Acetic acid is the solute because it is the substance being dissolved in water.

To confirm this, we can follow a simple method to identify the solvent and solute.

1. Start by recognizing that vinegar is primarily composed of water and acetic acid.
2. Water is a well-known solvent for many substances, including acetic acid.
3. Acetic acid is a liquid organic acid and can be dissolved in water.
4. Therefore, in vinegar, water is the solvent, and acetic acid is the solute.

In summary, in vinegar, the solvent is water, and the solute is acetic acid.