Which statement best describes the difference between a solvent and a solute in a solution?

• A. Both solvent and solute are always present in equal amounts in a solution.
• B. The solute is always a solid, and the solvent is always a liquid.
• C. The solvent is the substance present in greater amount, while the solute is present in lesser amount.
• D. The solvent is the substance that gets dissolved, and the solute is the substance that does the dissolving.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of solvent and solute in a solution. A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances.
2. Step 2: Identify the solvent as the substance present in the greatest amount in the solution. It is the medium in which other substances dissolve.
3. Step 3: Recognize the solute as the substance or substances present in lesser amounts, which get dissolved in the solvent.
4. Step 4: Note that the solvent and solute can be in any physical state (solid, liquid, or gas), so it is not always true that the solute is solid and the solvent is liquid.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is: 'The solvent is the substance present in greater amount, while the solute is present in lesser amount.' This correctly captures the roles and relative quantities of solvent and solute.