In a solution, what is the term for the substance that is being dissolved?

• A. Solvent
• B. Solute
• C. Suspension
• D. Precipitate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic terminology used in solutions: a solution consists of two main components—the substance that dissolves and the substance that does the dissolving.
2. Identify the substance that is being dissolved in the solution; this is the component present in a smaller amount and is dispersed uniformly throughout the solvent.
3. Recognize that the substance doing the dissolving, usually present in a larger amount, is called the solvent.
4. Recall that the term for the substance being dissolved is called the solute.
5. Note that other terms like suspension and precipitate refer to different phenomena: a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture, and a precipitate is a solid formed from a reaction, not the dissolved substance.