Here's why:

* Solute: The substance that dissolves in a solvent to form a solution. It is typically present in a smaller amount than the solvent.

* Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute. It is typically present in a larger amount than the solute.

In this case, salt dissolves in water. Water is the solvent because it is present in a larger amount and dissolves the salt. Salt is the solute because it is present in a smaller amount and gets dissolved by the water.