Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which term describes the substance that is dissolved in a solution?

1. Solute

2. Solvent

3. Solution

4. Suspension

The correct answer is: Solute

The term that describes the substance that is dissolved in a solution is "solute." In a solution, the solute is the component that is present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent, which is the substance that dissolves the solute. This relationship is essential in understanding how solutions work, as the solute must be able to interact with the solvent to form a homogeneous mixture. The concept of a solution involves not just the solute and solvent, but also highlights the importance of how these two interact. By focusing on the solute, you grasp the foundational aspect of a solution's composition. In contrast, the solvent refers to the substance that dissolves the solute, while "solution" is the resulting mixture of the solute and solvent. "Suspension," on the other hand, refers to a heterogeneous mixture where particles can settle out over time, which is a different concept altogether.