AFOQT Practice Test

What does the solvent refer to in a solution?

1. The substance that dissolves other substances

2. The substance that forms the solute

3. The resulting product of the mixture

4. The solid part of a heterogeneous mixture

The correct answer is: The substance that dissolves other substances

The solvent in a solution is defined as the substance that dissolves other substances. This role is crucial in the formation of a solution, as the solvent typically constitutes the majority of the solution's volume and determines the physical properties of the mixture. For example, in a saltwater solution, water acts as the solvent, enabling the salt (the solute) to dissolve and disperse evenly throughout the liquid. The solvent interacts with solutes to facilitate the dissolution process, thereby creating a homogeneous mixture. Understanding the role of the solvent is essential in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and medicine, where the solubility of substances, reactions, and concentrations are of utmost significance.