When two gases or liquids form a solution, the substance that is present in the largest amount is called the solvent. The solvent is the substance that dissolves the other substance, which is called the solute. The solute is usually present in a smaller amount than the solvent.

Some examples of solvents and solutes are:

* Water is a solvent for sugar, salt, and alcohol.

* Alcohol is a solvent for oils and fats.

* Gasoline is a solvent for rubber and plastic.

The amount of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent is limited. When the limit is reached, the solution is said to be saturated. If more solute is added, it will not dissolve and will form a separate layer on the bottom of the solution.

The ability of a solvent to dissolve a solute depends on the chemical properties of both substances. In general, solvents that are similar in chemical structure to the solute will dissolve the solute more easily. For example, water is a good solvent for sugar because both substances are polar. Gasoline is a good solvent for rubber because both substances are nonpolar.