In a solution, what does the term solute refer to?

The term solute specifically refers to the substance that gets dissolved in a solution. In a typical solution, there are usually two main components: the solute and the solvent. The solute is the substance present in a lesser amount that undergoes dissolution, while the solvent is the substance, typically present in a greater amount, that facilitates the dissolving process.

For instance, when you mix salt with water, salt acts as the solute because it is the part that is being dissolved, whereas water acts as the solvent. This distinction is critical for understanding the principles of solutions in chemistry, as the behavior, concentration, and interactions of solutes can significantly affect the properties of the solution as a whole.