Humber Admissions Practice Test

In terms of a solution, which of the following identifies the solvent?

1. The greatest substance by amount in the solution

2. The substance that cannot be dissolved

3. The one that changes state

4. The least amount present in the solution

The correct answer is: The greatest substance by amount in the solution

The solvent in a solution is defined as the component that is present in the greatest amount. This is because it is the substance that dissolves the solute, which is the component present in lesser quantities. In a typical solution, the solvent dictates the physical state of the mixture and often determines the properties of the solution itself. For instance, in a saltwater solution, water acts as the solvent because it is the major component that dissolves the salt (the solute). Understanding this concept is critical, as recognizing the role of the solvent can help in applications ranging from chemistry to daily life experiences. The other options do not accurately define the solvent in a solution. The substance that cannot be dissolved refers to the solute's behavior in relation to the solvent, while the least amount present describes the solute, not the solvent. The notion of a substance that changes state does not pertain specifically to the definition of a solvent, as both solvents and solutes can change states under various conditions. Thus, the identification of the solvent as the greatest substance by amount is fundamental to understanding solutions.