What are the differences between solute and solvent?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Solute

Solvent

Definition

A solute is a substance that can be dissolved into a solution by a solvent.

A solvent is a substance in which a solute is dissolved.

Physical state

A solute may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state.

Most solvents are in liquid phase but few solvents may be in solid or gaseous phase.

Solubility

Solubility of a solute in a solvent is determined by the surface area and molecule size of the solute.

Solubility of a solvent depends on the polarity of the solvent.

Transfer of heat

Heat is transferred to the solute in a solution.

Heat is transferred from the liquid to the solution.

Boiling point

Boiling point of the solute is higher than that of the solution.

Boiling point of solvent is lower than that of solutes.

Examples

- Salt in saltwater
-  Oxygen in seawater
- Carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks
- Zinc in dental amalgam
- Ethylene glycol in antifreeze

- Water
- Ethanol
- Acetone
- Methyl acetate
- Methanol

Basis of differentiation	Solute	Solvent
Definition	A solute is a substance that can be dissolved into a solution by a solvent.	A solvent is a substance in which a solute is dissolved.
Physical state	A solute may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state.	Most solvents are in liquid phase but few solvents may be in solid or gaseous phase.
Solubility	Solubility of a solute in a solvent is determined by the surface area and molecule size of the solute.	Solubility of a solvent depends on the polarity of the solvent.
Transfer of heat	Heat is transferred to the solute in a solution.	Heat is transferred from the liquid to the solution.
Boiling point	Boiling point of the solute is higher than that of the solution.	Boiling point of solvent is lower than that of solutes.
Examples	- Salt in saltwater - Oxygen in seawater - Carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks - Zinc in dental amalgam - Ethylene glycol in antifreeze	- Water - Ethanol - Acetone - Methyl acetate - Methanol