What is the component of a solution that is responsible for dissolving other substances?

In a solution, the component that is responsible for dissolving other substances is the solvent. The solvent is typically the substance present in the greatest quantity and is the medium in which solutes—substances that are dissolved—are dispersed. For example, in a saltwater solution, water acts as the solvent, dissolving the salt, which is the solute.

Understanding the role of the solvent is crucial because it determines the properties of the solution, such as its boiling and freezing points, as well as its capacity to dissolve various solutes. This fundamental concept serves as a foundation for exploring how solutions interact in biological systems, industrial applications, and chemical reactions.