In a saltwater solution, which is the solute?

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Multiple Choice

In a saltwater solution, which is the solute?

Explanation:
The key idea is distinguishing solute from solvent in a solution. The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving and is present in the larger amount, while the solute is what gets dissolved. In saltwater, water is the medium that dissolves the salt, so water is the solvent. The salt is the substance that is added and dissolved, so it is the solute. Even though the salt breaks into ions in solution, its role remains the dissolved species carried in the water.

The key idea is distinguishing solute from solvent in a solution. The solvent is the substance that does the dissolving and is present in the larger amount, while the solute is what gets dissolved. In saltwater, water is the medium that dissolves the salt, so water is the solvent. The salt is the substance that is added and dissolved, so it is the solute. Even though the salt breaks into ions in solution, its role remains the dissolved species carried in the water.

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