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In a solution, what is the solute?

  1. A method of separation

  2. The substance doing the dissolving

  3. The substance being dissolved

  4. The combined product of a reaction

The correct answer is: The substance being dissolved

In a solution, the solute is defined as the substance being dissolved. This component is present in a smaller quantity compared to the solvent, which is the substance doing the dissolving. For example, in a saltwater solution, salt is the solute because it dissolves in water (the solvent) to form the solution. Understanding the role of the solute is essential in various chemical and biological processes, as it contributes properties such as concentration, reactivity, and the overall behavior of the solution. When discussing solutions, it's important to distinguish the solute from the solvent and other related terms, as this forms the basis for grasping concepts like solubility, saturation, and concentration gradients in both theoretical and practical applications.