Here's a simple explanation:
* Solvent: The substance that does the dissolving. It's usually a liquid, but it can also be a gas or a solid.
* Solute: The substance that gets dissolved.
* Solution: The mixture formed when the solute dissolves in the solvent.
For example:
* Water is a common solvent. It dissolves sugar, salt, and many other substances.
* Acetone is a solvent used to dissolve nail polish.
* Oil is a solvent used to dissolve grease.
The process of dissolving depends on the interaction between the solvent and the solute molecules. For example, water is a polar solvent, meaning it has a positive and negative end. This allows it to interact with polar solutes, like sugar, and pull them apart.