In a diagram of an aqueous sodium chloride solution

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Properties of Substances and Mixtures · Properties of Substances and Mixtures

Problem

In a diagram of an aqueous sodium chloride solution, the box contains 350 water molecules, 40 red spheres labeled Na⁺, and 40 green spheres labeled Cl⁻. Which statement correctly identifies the solute and solvent? (a) Na+\text{Na}^+ and Cl−\text{Cl}^- are the solvents, while water is the solute. (b) Water is the solvent; Na+\text{Na}^+ and Cl−\text{Cl}^- ions together constitute the solute. (c) Na+\text{Na}^+ is the solute, whereas Cl−\text{Cl}^- acts as the solvent because it is surrounded by water molecules. (d) No single component is the solvent; water, Na+\text{Na}^+, and Cl−\text{Cl}^- should all be considered solutes in this solution.

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