Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

In the context of solutions, what is a solute?

1. Substance doing the dissolving

2. Substance that remains undissolved

3. Substance being dissolved

4. A product of the solution

The correct answer is: Substance being dissolved

A solute is defined as the substance that is being dissolved in a solution. In a typical solution, two key components are involved: the solute and the solvent. The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving, while the solute is what is dissolved into the solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. When thinking about solutions, it is key to understand the interaction between these components. For instance, when table salt (sodium chloride) is added to water, the salt is broken down into its constituent ions and evenly distributed throughout the water, illustrating the role of the solute. This process is a fundamental concept in chemistry and is crucial for various applications, including biological functions and industrial processes. The other definitions pertain to different aspects of solutions. The substance doing the dissolving refers to the solvent, which has a separate role in the formation of a solution. A substance that remains undissolved is not involved in the solution process and is separate from the solute. Lastly, while a product of the solution may involve the solute and solvent, it does not accurately describe the role of a solute itself. Understanding the role of a solute is essential for comprehending how mixtures function in chemistry and biology.