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CraftExam
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Solutions and their Components

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent; the solute is the substance dissolved, and the solvent is the substance present in larger amount that dissolves it.

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Student-friendly explanation

In a salt solution, salt is the solute and water is the solvent. The solvent forms the main medium, while the solute spreads uniformly in it. True solutions do not show particles to the naked eye and do not scatter light strongly.

How to write this in exams

  1. 1

    Start with the exact idea

    A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent; the solute is the substance dissolved, and the solvent is the substance present in larger amount that dissolves it.

  2. 2

    Then show how to use it

    Read the quantities. Identify the component present in larger amount as solvent in ordinary school-level cases. Identify the dissolved component as solute. Confirm that the mixture is uniform.

  3. 3

    Add one concrete example

    In lemonade, sugar and lemon juice are solutes, while water is the solvent if it is present in the largest amount.

  4. 4

    Avoid this incomplete answer

    Saying every liquid is solvent is wrong because a liquid present in smaller amount can act as solute.

Definition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent; the solute is the substance dissolved, and the solvent is the substance present in larger amount that dissolves it.

Example

In lemonade, sugar and lemon juice are solutes, while water is the solvent if it is present in the largest amount.

Rule to remember

Rule: solute is dissolved; solvent usually has larger amount and acts as the dissolving medium.

Memory hook

Solute is put in; solvent lets it spread.

Examples and method

Worked example

In 20 mL alcohol mixed with 80 mL water, water is generally the solvent because it is present in larger amount, and alcohol is the solute.

Method to apply

Read the quantities. Identify the component present in larger amount as solvent in ordinary school-level cases. Identify the dissolved component as solute. Confirm that the mixture is uniform.

Diagram support

A particle diagram may show solute particles evenly spread among solvent particles.

How CBSE asks it

Students may be asked to identify solute and solvent from a given mixture or to explain why a solution is homogeneous.

Avoid common mistakes

Common confusion

Students sometimes identify the solid as solute and liquid as solvent always. In some solutions, both components may be liquids, so relative amount matters.

Common wrong answer

Saying every liquid is solvent is wrong because a liquid present in smaller amount can act as solute.

Exam tip

Mention solute, solvent, and uniform distribution when explaining a solution.

Quick check

In a solution made by dissolving 5 g salt in 100 g water, which component is the solvent and why?

Water is the solvent because it is present in larger amount and dissolves the salt to form a uniform solution.

Study the solutions and their components diagram carefully

Use the labelled diagram to keep solutions and their components clear in short answers and revision.

What this diagram makes clear

This diagram keeps the labels and direction of solutions and their components in the right order.

Where this helps in exams

Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on solutions and their components.

Revision cue

Revise solutions and their components through the labels before writing the answer.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark answer

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent; the solute is the substance dissolved, and the solvent is the substance present in larger amount that dissolves it.

2-mark answer

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent; the solute is the substance dissolved, and the solvent is the substance present in larger amount that dissolves it. Rule: solute is dissolved; solvent usually has larger amount and acts as the dissolving medium. In lemonade, sugar and lemon juice are solutes, while water is the solvent if it is present in the largest amount.

3-mark answer

In a salt solution, salt is the solute and water is the solvent. The solvent forms the main medium, while the solute spreads uniformly in it. True solutions do not show particles to the naked eye and do not scatter light strongly. Rule: solute is dissolved; solvent usually has larger amount and acts as the dissolving medium. In 20 mL alcohol mixed with 80 mL water, water is generally the solvent because it is present in larger amount, and alcohol is the solute. Students may be asked to identify solute and solvent from a given mixture or to explain why a solution is homogeneous. Saying every liquid is solvent is wrong because a liquid present in smaller amount can act as solute.
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