Solution vs. Solvent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 5, 2024
Solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, while a solvent is the substance in a solution that dissolves the other substance(s).
Difference Between Solution and Solvent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Solution: A mixture where one substance (solute) is dissolved in another (solvent). It is characterized by its homogeneity at the molecular level. Solvent: The component of a solution that dissolves the solute. It is usually the substance present in the greater amount.
Solution: Can be gaseous, liquid, or solid. For example, air is a solution of gases, and saltwater is a liquid solution. Solvent: Common solvents include water, alcohol, and acetone. Water is known as the "universal solvent" due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
Solution: The properties of a solution (like boiling point and freezing point) differ from those of its constituent solutes and solvent. Solvent: The solvent dictates the phase (gas, liquid, or solid) of the solution and can influence the solution's properties.
Solution: Formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent. The concentration of a solution can vary depending on the amount of solute dissolved. Solvent: The effectiveness of a solvent in dissolving a solute depends on the chemical nature of both the solute and the solvent.
Solution: Used in various fields like medicine, chemistry, and everyday life. Solutions are crucial in pharmaceutical formulations and chemical reactions. Solvent: Apart from forming solutions, solvents are used in cleaning, as paint thinners, and in chemical syntheses.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Homogeneous mixture of two or more substances
Substance that dissolves another substance
Role
Contains solute(s) dissolved in a solvent
Dissolves the solute to form a solution
Examples
Saltwater, air, brass
Water, alcohol, acetone
Properties
Depends on solute and solvent
Determines the solution's phase and properties
Uses
In medicine, chemistry, daily life
In cleaning, paint thinners, chemical synthesis
Compare with Definitions
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
Salt dissolved in water forms a saline solution.
Solvent
A substance capable of dissolving other substances to form a solution.
Water is used as a solvent in brewing coffee.
Solution
A mixture where the solute particles are so small they cannot be seen and do not settle out.
Intravenous solutions are used in hospitals for hydration.
Solvent
The component of a solution present in the largest amount.
Acetone is a common solvent used in nail polish remover.
Solution
A liquid mixture where the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent.
Sugar solution is used in making candies.
Solvent
A substance that can dissolve other materials without changing their chemical properties.
Ethanol is a solvent used in pharmaceuticals.
Solution
Any mixture of gases, liquids, or solids that is uniformly dispersed.
Air is a solution of different gases.
Solvent
A liquid that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.
Alcohol acts as a solvent in extracting flavors for essences.
Solution
A mixture that cannot be separated by filtration.
A solution of alcohol and water is used as a disinfectant.
Solvent
A medium in which substances are dissolved.
In paint, turpentine is used as a solvent.
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Solvent
Capable of meeting financial obligations.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Solvent
(Chemistry) Capable of dissolving another substance.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Solvent
A substance in which another substance is dissolved, forming a solution.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Solvent
A substance, usually a liquid, capable of dissolving another substance.
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Solvent
Something that solves or explains.
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Solvent
A fluid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Solvent
That which resolves.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Solvent
(finance) Able to pay all debts as they become due, and having no more liabilities than assets.
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Solvent
Having the power of dissolving; causing solution.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Solvent
Having the power of dissolving; dissolving; as, a solvent fluid.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Solvent
Able or sufficient to pay all just debts; as, a solvent merchant; the estate is solvent.
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Solvent
A substance (usually liquid) suitable for, or employed in, solution, or in dissolving something; as, water is the appropriate solvent of most salts, alcohol of resins, ether of fats, and mercury or acids of metals, etc.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Solvent
That which resolves; as, a solvent of mystery.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
Solvent
A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances;
The solvent does not change its state in forming a solution
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Solvent
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
Solvent
Capable of meeting financial obligations
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
Common Curiosities
Are all solutions liquids?
No, solutions can be in any phase: gas, liquid, or solid.
Can a solvent be a gas?
Yes, a solvent can be a gas, liquid, or solid, depending on the type of solution.
What is a solvent in simple terms?
A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.
What defines a solution in chemistry?
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where the solute is uniformly distributed in the solvent.
Can a solution exist in different states?
Yes, solutions can be gaseous, liquid, or solid.
What are common examples of solvents besides water?
Common solvents include alcohol, acetone, and ether.
Are all solutions colorless?
No, solutions can be colored depending on the solute and solvent involved.
Is water always the solvent in a solution?
No, while water is a common solvent, solutions can have other liquids, solids, or gases as solvents.
How does temperature affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent?
Generally, increasing the temperature increases the solubility of solids and liquids in a solvent.
What determines the solubility of a substance in a solvent?
Solubility is determined by the chemical nature of both the solute and the solvent, and their interactions.
Can solvents dissolve any type of substance?
No, the ability of a solvent to dissolve a substance depends on the chemical nature of both the solvent and the solute.
What role does a solvent play in a chemical reaction?
A solvent can provide the medium for the reactants to interact and influence the rate and outcome of the reaction.
Can the pH of a solution indicate the type of solvent used?
Yes, the pH of a solution can give information about the acidic or basic nature of the solvent.
How does the concentration of a solution vary?
The concentration of a solution varies based on the amount of solute dissolved in the solvent.
How is a solution different from a mixture?
A solution is a homogeneous mixture with uniform composition throughout, while a mixture can be heterogeneous with variable composition.
What is the importance of solvents in pharmaceuticals?
Solvents are used in pharmaceuticals to dissolve active ingredients, facilitate chemical reactions, and formulate medicines.
Can changes in pressure affect the properties of a solution?
Yes, changes in pressure can affect the solubility of gases in liquids, altering the properties of the solution.
How are solutes and solvents selected in industrial applications?
In industrial applications, solutes and solvents are chosen based on desired properties, such as solubility, reactivity, and safety.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
