Fiveable
Fiveable

Solvent

Definition

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically different liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution.

Analogy

Think of the solvent as a big, welcoming party host. The guests (solutes) arrive and the host helps them mix and mingle with everyone else, creating one big happy party (solution).

Related terms

Solute: This is what gets dissolved by the solvent - like our party guests.

Solution: The result when a solute is fully dissolved in a solvent - the successful party.

Concentration: How much solute is dissolved in the solvent - akin to how many guests are at our party.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.