What is defined as what is being dissolved in a solution?

The correct choice refers to the component of a solution that is being dissolved, known as the solute. In any solution, the solute is present in a lesser amount compared to the solvent, which is the substance that does the dissolving. For instance, when sugar is added to water, sugar acts as the solute and water serves as the solvent. Understanding the roles of solute and solvent is fundamental in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and even mortuary science, where solutions might be utilized in embalming processes.

The terms solution and solubility, while related, do not directly define the component being dissolved. A solution refers to the homogeneous mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent, while solubility measures the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure. Thus, the definition of the solute is crucial for accurately describing the composition of a solution.