We explain what the solute and solvent are and what is the role of each. In addition, several examples of these two components.
-
What are solute and solvent?
In chemistry , solute and solvent are understood as the two components that make up a solution , that is, the two elements whose union produces a homogeneous mixture or solution.
Thus, we will call solute the element that dissolves in the other , that is, the substance added to form the mixture . This may be a solid , a liquid or a gas , which is generally found in smaller proportions than the solvent and which, once mixed, ceases to be noticeable to the naked eye, that is: it dissolves.
On the contrary, the solvent will be that substance that receives the other , or in other words, is the substance to which we add the solute and in which the latter dissolves.
It is usually a liquid (to form liquid solutions) that receives a solid, liquid or gas; otherwise, both solute and solvent must be both solid or gas. The solvent, finally, is the majority substance in the mixture.
-
Examples of solute
We can list some types of solute, such as:
- Sugar . It dissolves in coffee or water, for example.
- Coffee . Ground coffee is, in turn, a solute that is diluted in boiling water to obtain an infusion. The same goes for tea.
- Sal . It is dissolved in various quantities in the water of the seas.
- Oxygen . Present among other gases in a homogeneous mixture in the atmosphere.
- Acetic acid . This substance, when dissolved in water, forms vinegar.
- Carbon dioxide . Used in the food industry, because when dissolved in water, it results in carbonated water (base of soft drinks).
- Carbon . Used for iron alloys, carbon is added to the molten metal and the steel is thus obtained.
-
Examples of solvent
Some simple examples of solvent are:
- Water . For something it is called “the universal solvent”: almost everything is susceptible to dissolve in water.
- Thinner . An industrial solvent based on hydrocarbons, usually used to dilute and dissolve paints or plastics.
- Iron . In the case, again, of the alloys, carbon, zinc, aluminum or other metals are added to the cast iron to obtain various variants of the steel.
- Air . The air we breathe is a homogeneous mixture of gases, in which the carbon dioxide we exhale while breathing can dissolve perfectly.
- Blood . Various organic substances are dissolved in the blood of our body, which transports them throughout the circulatory system.
