Solvent:

* The substance that dissolves another substance.

* Usually present in a larger amount.

* Determines the state (solid, liquid, or gas) of the solution.

* Examples: Water (dissolves sugar), alcohol (dissolves many substances), gasoline (dissolves grease).

Solute:

* The substance that gets dissolved.

* Usually present in a smaller amount.

* Changes its state to become uniformly distributed throughout the solvent.

* Examples: Sugar (dissolved in water), salt (dissolved in water), perfume (dissolved in alcohol).

Think of it this way:

Imagine making a cup of tea.

* Water is the solvent: It's the primary ingredient and what the tea leaves dissolve into.

* Tea leaves are the solute: They get dissolved by the water, giving the tea its flavor and color.

Key takeaway: The solvent is the "dissolver", and the solute is the "dissolved". They work together to form a solution.