What is a solvent?

• A. The solute in a mixture.
• B. The pH of the solution.
• C. A substance dissolved in the solution.
• D. A substance that dissolves a solute.

Answer: (D)

A solvent is the substance that does the dissolving in a solution; it is the medium in which the solute is dispersed. In a saltwater solution, water acts as the solvent because it dissolves the salt, which is the solute. The solvent is typically the component present in the greater amount and provides the environment for the solute to spread out. Among the options, the description that fits best is a substance that dissolves a solute, because that is exactly what enables the formation of a solution. The solute is the substance dissolved, and the pH is a property of the solution, not the solvent.