In chemistry, what is the term for a substance that is dissolved in a solvent?

The term for a substance that is dissolved in a solvent is known as a solute. In a solution, the solute is the component that is present in a lesser amount, while the solvent is the component that is present in a greater amount. When a solute dissolves, it breaks down into its molecular or ionic components and becomes dispersed in the solvent. This process is essential in various chemical reactions and laboratory processes, demonstrating the interaction between solute and solvent.

In contrast, the solvent refers to the substance in which the solute is dissolved, typically in a greater quantity. A solution is the resulting homogeneous mixture formed when the solute is properly dissolved in the solvent. Solubility describes the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure, but it does not define the solute itself. Therefore, identifying the solute is critical to understanding how different substances interact in chemical contexts.