In a solution, the solvent is best defined as which of the following?

• A. The component present in the greatest amount that dissolves the solute
• B. The component present in the least amount that is dissolved by the solvent
• C. A substance that chemically reacts with the solute to form a new compound
• D. A substance that always remains in the solid phase after mixing

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a solution: a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances.
2. Identify the two main components of a solution: the solute and the solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved, and the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving.
3. Recognize that the solvent is typically the component present in the greatest amount in the solution, which allows it to dissolve the solute effectively.
4. Eliminate options that describe the solute (component present in the least amount), chemical reactions forming new compounds (which is not a characteristic of a solvent), or phases that remain solid after mixing (which does not describe a solvent).
5. Conclude that the solvent is best defined as the component present in the greatest amount that dissolves the solute.