The substance being dissolved in a solution is called the solute.

The substance being dissolved in a solution is called the solute.

• A. Solute
• B. Solvent
• C. Suspension
• D. Solution

Answer: (A)

In a solution, the substance that is dissolved is the solute. The dissolving medium is the solvent, and together they form a homogeneous mixture where the solute is dispersed at the molecular level. For example, when you dissolve sugar in water, the sugar is the solute and the water is the solvent, producing a sugar solution. A solution is uniform and clear, with the dissolved particles too small to see and that don’t settle out. By contrast, a suspension contains larger particles that can scatter light and may settle over time, so it’s not a true solution. The term solute specifically identifies the part being dissolved, which is why it is the correct choice.

In a solution, the substance that is dissolved is the solute. The dissolving medium is the solvent, and together they form a homogeneous mixture where the solute is dispersed at the molecular level. For example, when you dissolve sugar in water, the sugar is the solute and the water is the solvent, producing a sugar solution. A solution is uniform and clear, with the dissolved particles too small to see and that don’t settle out. By contrast, a suspension contains larger particles that can scatter light and may settle over time, so it’s not a true solution. The term solute specifically identifies the part being dissolved, which is why it is the correct choice.