Two liquids

The idea

When a solution is formed by mixing two liquids, the substance present in the smaller amount is the solute and the one present in the larger amount is the solvent.

Liquid in liquid

Two liquids are mixed to make a solution. It is not clear which one dissolves the other.

How can we decide which is the solvent?

• The one present in the larger amount
• The one that is colourless
• The one poured first

Decide the solvent

Open both tabs.

Which is which

With two liquids, the amount decides. When a solid dissolves in a liquid, the liquid is always the solvent.

In a solution made of two liquids, the one in the smaller amount is the solute and the one in the larger amount is the solvent.

Notes

For two liquids: smaller amount = solute, larger amount = solvent.

Check yourself

When two liquids make a solution, the solute is the liquid present in …

When two liquids make a solution, the solvent is the liquid present in …

5 mL of liquid A is mixed with 95 mL of liquid B to make a solution. The solvent is …

A solid dissolves in a liquid. The solvent is …

• the larger amount. The larger amount is the solvent.
• either amount, no rule. The one in the smaller amount is the solute.
• the smaller amount — correct. Yes!
• the larger amount — correct. Yes!
• the smaller amount. The smaller amount is the solute.
• equal amount only. The one in the larger amount is the solvent.
• liquid A. A is in the smaller amount, so it is the solute.
• liquid B — correct. Yes!
• both. B, the larger amount, is the solvent.
• the solid. The solid is the solute.
• whichever is more. For a solid in a liquid, the liquid is the solvent.
• the liquid — correct. Yes!