In a solution, the substance that does the dissolving is called:

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of the terms involved: A 'solute' is the substance that gets dissolved, a 'solvent' is the substance that does the dissolving, a 'precipitate' is a solid that forms from a solution, and a 'suspension' is a heterogeneous mixture where particles are dispersed but not dissolved.
2. Identify the role of each component in a solution: The solvent is typically the component present in the largest amount and is responsible for dissolving the solute.
3. Recall that in a solution, the solute is the substance being dissolved, and the solvent is the medium that dissolves the solute.
4. Match the given options to their definitions: Since the question asks for the substance that does the dissolving, the correct term is 'solvent'.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'solvent' because it is the substance that dissolves the solute to form a solution.