A solute is a substance that dissolves in a solvent to form a solution. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Here are some examples:

* Solid solute: Sugar dissolving in water (sugar is the solute, water is the solvent)

* Liquid solute: Alcohol dissolving in water (alcohol is the solute, water is the solvent)

* Gaseous solute: Carbon dioxide dissolving in water (carbon dioxide is the solute, water is the solvent)

So, while you might be used to thinking of solutes as solids, it's important to remember that the physical state of the solute can vary.