* Solution: A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
* Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute. It is usually present in a larger amount than the solute.
* Solute: The substance that gets dissolved in the solvent.
Key characteristics of a solute:
* It exists in a smaller amount compared to the solvent.
* It can be a solid, liquid, or gas.
* It spreads evenly throughout the solvent, creating a homogeneous mixture.
* It is typically present in lower concentration compared to the solvent.
Examples:
* Sugar in water: Sugar is the solute, and water is the solvent.
* Salt in water: Salt is the solute, and water is the solvent.
* Air: Oxygen and other gases are solutes dissolved in nitrogen, the solvent.
Important Note: The distinction between solute and solvent isn't always clear-cut, particularly when dealing with mixtures of liquids. In such cases, the substance present in a higher concentration is generally considered the solvent.