Solved Solutes and Solvents Worksheet Directions: Label each ... - Free Printable

To solve the problem, we need to identify whether each item in the given solutions is a solute or a solvent. The key hint provided is that the solvent is always present in the greater amount, while the solute is dissolved in it.

Definitions:

- Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute and is present in the greater amount.
- Solute: The substance that is dissolved in the solvent and is present in the lesser amount.

Solution:

#### 1. Solution: Cigarette Smoke spreads through the air
- a. Cigarette smoke: Solute
- Explanation: Cigarette smoke is composed of particles (like tar, nicotine, and other chemicals) that are dispersed in the air. Since the smoke is the component being spread, it is the solute.
- b. Air: Solvent
- Explanation: Air is the medium through which cigarette smoke spreads. It is the substance in the greater amount, so it is the solvent.

#### 2. Solution: Gold ring
- a. Copper: Solute
- Explanation: A gold ring typically contains small amounts of copper mixed with gold to enhance its durability. Copper is present in a smaller amount compared to gold, so it is the solute.
- b. Gold: Solvent
- Explanation: Gold is the primary component of the ring and is present in the greater amount, so it is the solvent.

#### 3. Solution: Cup of Coffee
- a. Caffeine: Solute
- Explanation: Caffeine is a chemical compound dissolved in water (the liquid part of coffee). It is present in a smaller amount compared to water, so it is the solute.
- b. Water: Solvent
- Explanation: Water is the liquid medium in which caffeine is dissolved. It is present in the greater amount, so it is the solvent.

#### 4. Solution: Sterling Silver
- a. Silver: Solvent
- Explanation: Sterling silver is an alloy consisting mostly of silver. Since silver is the primary component and is present in the greater amount, it is the solvent.
- b. Copper: Solute
- Explanation: Copper is added to silver in small amounts to harden it. Since copper is present in a smaller amount, it is the solute.

#### 5. Solution: Water in a fish tank
- a. Water: Solvent
- Explanation: Water is the primary component of the solution and is present in the greater amount, so it is the solvent.
- b. Oxygen: Solute
- Explanation: Oxygen is dissolved in water for aquatic life. It is present in a smaller amount compared to water, so it is the solute.

#### 6. Solution: Unopened can of soda
- a. Carbon dioxide: Solute
- Explanation: Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the liquid (sugar water) to give soda its fizz. It is present in a smaller amount compared to the liquid, so it is the solute.
- b. Sugar water: Solvent
- Explanation: Sugar water is the liquid medium in which carbon dioxide is dissolved. It is present in the greater amount, so it is the solvent.

#### 7. Solution: Air
- a. Oxygen: Solute
- Explanation: Oxygen makes up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere. While it is a significant component, it is not the most abundant gas, so it is considered the solute.
- b. Nitrogen: Solvent
- Explanation: Nitrogen makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere and is the most abundant gas. Since it is present in the greater amount, it is the solvent.

Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
1. & \text{a. Cigarette smoke: Solute} \\
& \text{b. Air: Solvent} \\
2. & \text{a. Copper: Solute} \\
& \text{b. Gold: Solvent} \\
3. & \text{a. Caffeine: Solute} \\
& \text{b. Water: Solvent} \\
4. & \text{a. Silver: Solvent} \\
& \text{b. Copper: Solute} \\
5. & \text{a. Water: Solvent} \\
& \text{b. Oxygen: Solute} \\
6. & \text{a. Carbon dioxide: Solute} \\
& \text{b. Sugar water: Solvent} \\
7. & \text{a. Oxygen: Solute} \\
& \text{b. Nitrogen: Solvent} \\
\end{array}
}
\]