What is the difference between a solute and a solvent?

[winget]

I’m trying to understand the terms “solute” and “solvent” in chemistry. Can someone explain how they differ, maybe with an example?

 

[Jone]

The dissolved substance is known as solute and the dissolving substance as solvent.

Sample: Salt is the solute and water is the solvent in salt water.

 

[inzhenerna_jmpr]

• A solute is the substance that gets dissolved (like sugar or salt).
• A solvent is the substance that does the dissolving (like water).

 

[Mayank singh]

A solute is a substance that gets dissolved in a solution, while a solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute. The solute changes state or disperses, whereas the solvent usually remains in the same physical state.

 

[SkyDrifter]

In simple terms, a solute is the substance that gets dissolved, while a solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. For example, in saltwater, salt is the solute and water is the solvent. The solvent is usually present in larger amount, and it helps the solute spread evenly to form a solution.