Question

Identify the solute and the solvent in the following solutions:
A.Sugar solution
B.Air
C.Grains
D.Aerated drinks

Answer 1

In a solution, the substance which is in lesser amount is called the solute and the substance which is in more amount is called solute.

Complete step by step answer:
Definitions –
Solute – A substance which is the minor component in a solution is called solute.
Solvent – A substance which is the major component in a solution is called a solvent.
Solution – The combination of a solvent and a solute is called a mixture.
Now that the basic words have been defined, let’s identify the solute and the solvent in each of the given cases.
A.Sugar solution – The solution made by mixing some amount of sugar in water is called a sugar solution. Here, the sugar is in a lesser amount as compared to the water. So, sugar becomes the minor component and water becomes the major component.
Solute – Sugar
Solvent – Water
B.Air – The solution made by mixing some amount of dust particles in a mixture of gases is called air. Here, the dust particles are in lesser amounts as compared to the gases. So, dust particles become the minor component and gases become the major component.
Solute – Dust particles
Solvent – Gases
C.Grains – The solution made by mixing some amount of pebbles in food grains is formed. Here, the pebbles are in lesser amounts as compared to the food grains. So, pebbles become the minor component and food grains become the major component.
Solute – Pebbles
Solvent – Food Grains
D.Aerated drinks – The solution made by mixing some amount of carbon dioxide in flavoured water is called an aerated drink. Here, the carbon dioxide is in a lesser amount as compared to the flavoured water. So, carbon dioxide becomes the minor component and flavoured water becomes the major component.
Solute – Carbon dioxide
Solvent – Flavoured Water

Note:
Solutions can be made by mixing of solids with solids, liquids or gases; liquids with liquids or gases; gases with gases. In order to determine the solvent and solute, we need to find the minor and the major components of a mixture.