GED Science Practice

What is a "Solvent" as defined in science?

1. A gas that dissolves other gases

2. A solid substance with dissolving properties

3. A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

4. An inert substance with no dissolving capabilities

The correct answer is: A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

A solvent, in scientific terms, is defined as a liquid substance that has the ability to dissolve other substances, which are typically solids, liquids, or gases. This definition emphasizes the solvent's key role in the process of solvation or dissolution, where the solvent molecules interact with and surround solute particles, effectively breaking them apart and mixing them uniformly. Common examples of solvents include water, ethanol, and acetone, each capable of dissolving various other substances. The definition also highlights the typical state of a solvent being liquid, which distinguishes it from gases and solids. While gases might dissolve other gases, that functionality doesn't encapsulate the specific role of a solvent in most chemical processes. Solvents cannot be inert because, by definition, an inert substance does not interact in the dissolution process, thus failing to perform the necessary role of a solvent. In conclusion, the focus on liquids in the definition aligns with the foundational principles of chemistry regarding how solutions are formed and how solvents operate in various mixtures.