A solvent is a substance capable of dissolving a solute to form a solution. In chemistry, solvents are often liquids, like water, but can also be gases or solids.
The solvent’s role is to break down the solute’s molecular bonds, allowing its particles to disperse uniformly in the solvent. This process, known as dissolution, results in the formation of a homogeneous mixture.
Solvents play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including reactions and extractions, and their selection depends on factors like polarity and compatibility with the solute.
