Define the terms solvent and solute and explain why water is the universal solvent.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Hmm.... i've heard this before.  Give me a few seconds on the internet and I'll see what I can do for you.

anonymous · Answer

Alright, Thank you.

anonymous · Answer

Ok...  A solute is something that is dissolved into something else.  The solvent is what does the dissolving.  I always remember the phrase  "You always dissolve the SOLUTE in the SOLVENT."  Like sugar in water.  Sugar would be the solute because it is being dissolved and water is the solvent because it is doing the dissolving.

Water is called a universal solvent because there are more substances that can be dissolved into water alone than any other compound, however this does not mean that water can dissolve everything.

What do you think?

anonymous · Answer

It makes sense. Thank you for the help. It's sorta like Coffee.

anonymous · Answer

Yes... especially instant coffee.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you.

anonymous · Answer

Not a problem at all.  Ask me anytime.