Solute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
solute
[หsษljuหt ]
Definition
chemistry context
A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. In this context, it can refer to solid, liquid, or gas substances. The concentration of a solute is critical in determining the properties of the resulting solution. It can affect boiling point, freezing point, and osmotic pressure, among other characteristics. Common examples of solutes include salt in water and sugar in coffee.
Synonyms
dispersed phase, dissolved substance, solute particle.
Examples of usage
- Salt is a common solute in cooking.
- The solute in this solution is sugar.
- In seawater, the solutes are primarily sodium and chloride.
- The solute concentration affects how easily a substance dissolves.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Common examples of solutes include salt in water and sugar in tea.
- The process of a solute dissolving involves breaking apart its molecules to mix with the solvent.
- The concentration of a solute in a solution can greatly affect the properties of that solution, such as boiling and freezing points.
Daily Life
- When making drinks, like lemonade or coffee, the sugar or other flavorings you add act as solutes.
- In cooking, solutes in solutions can change the taste and texture of food, such as salt in soup.
Environmental Science
- Solutes play a critical role in our lakes and oceans, influencing everything from marine life to water chemistry.
- Runoff can introduce various solutes into bodies of water, affecting ecosystems and water quality.
Health
- Many medications are solutes that dissolve in liquid to make them easier to ingest.
- Understanding solutes is essential in nutrition, especially in how minerals and vitamins dissolve in the body.
Origin of 'solute'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'solute' comes from the Latin 'solutus,' which means 'loosened' or 'dissolved.'
- In chemistry, the term has been used since the 19th century to describe substances that are dissolved in solvents.
The word 'solute' originates from the Latin word 'solut', which is the past participle of 'solvere', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'. This etymology reflects the essence of what a solute does: it is the component that gets dissolved within a solution. The term gained prominence in scientific literature during the late 19th century, aligning with advances in chemistry and the understanding of solutions. As the field evolved, so did the terminology associated with it, leading to the standard use of the term 'solute' in modern chemistry practices. The distinction between solute and solvent became increasingly important, especially in complex chemical reactions and formulations.