Which term describes the substance that is being dissolved in a solution?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the components of a solution: a solution consists of two main parts—the solute and the solvent.
2. The solute is the substance that gets dissolved in the solution, while the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving.
3. For example, in saltwater, salt is the solute because it dissolves, and water is the solvent because it dissolves the salt.
4. The term 'precipitate' refers to a solid that forms and separates from a solution, not the dissolved substance.
5. The term 'electrolyte' refers to a substance that produces ions in solution and conducts electricity, which is different from simply being dissolved.