In a solution, which component is defined as the substance that dissolves?

In a solution, the component that is defined as the substance that dissolves is the solute. The solute is the part of the solution that is present in a lesser amount compared to the solvent and is the material that undergoes a change to form a solution. For example, when salt is mixed with water, salt acts as the solute because it dissolves in the water, which is the solvent.

The solvent, in contrast, is the substance that does the dissolving and is typically present in greater quantity. Soluble is an adjective that describes the ability of a substance (the solute) to be dissolved in a solvent. A suspension refers to a mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but are not dissolved; this is not applicable when defining the components of a solution. Understanding these definitions is crucial for grasping the interactions in chemical solutions and for identifying different roles of substances in solution chemistry.