What is Solvent? Definition, Meaning & Example
A substance, usually liquid, that dissolves other substances to form a solution.
TL;DR: A substance, usually liquid, that dissolves other substances to form a solution.
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Solvent: A substance, usually liquid, that dissolves other substances to form a solution.
Explanation
Solvents are the majority component in a solution and dissolve the solute. Water is the most common solvent in biology and chemistry due to its polar nature. Different solvents dissolve different substances based on polarity. Organic solvents like alcohol and acetone dissolve nonpolar substances. The solvent's properties affect the solution's characteristics and the rate of dissolution.
Example
Water acts as a solvent in sugar solution where water dissolves the sugar to form a homogeneous mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common solvent?
Water is the most common solvent because it dissolves many substances and is essential for life.
What is the difference between solvent and solute?
The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving, while the solute is the substance being dissolved.
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