When 1 g of fructose is dissolved in 500 mL of water, which substance is the solvent and which is the solute?

• A. Both water and fructose are solutes.
• B. Fructose is the solvent; water is the solute.
• C. Both water and fructose are solvents.
• D. Water is the solvent; fructose is the solute.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: A solvent is the substance present in the largest amount in a solution and dissolves the other substance(s). A solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent.
2. Identify the substances involved: Here, fructose (1 g) is dissolved in water (500 mL).
3. Compare the amounts: Since 500 mL of water is much greater in quantity than 1 g of fructose, water is the substance present in the largest amount.
4. Determine roles based on quantity: Because water is the major component, it acts as the solvent, and fructose, being the minor component, acts as the solute.
5. Conclude that in this solution, water is the solvent and fructose is the solute.