What is the role of a solvent in a solution?

The role of a solvent in a solution is to dissolve the solute, which is the substance being dissolved. A solvent is typically present in a greater amount compared to the solute. It facilitates the interaction between the solute particles, breaking them apart and allowing them to disperse uniformly throughout the solution. This process is essential for creating homogenous mixtures where the solute is not visibly distinguishable from the solvent.

In many common solutions, such as saltwater, water acts as the solvent. It surrounds and interacts with the sodium and chloride ions from the salt, effectively separating them and resulting in a uniform solution. The ability of the solvent to pull apart solute particles and integrate them into the solution is what characterizes this essential function. This interaction can be driven by various forces such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and ion-dipole interactions, depending on the nature of both the solvent and the solute.