Chicago Master Esthetician Practice Test

The liquid that dissolves another substance is known as a solvent. A solvent is a basic component of solutions and plays a crucial role in the process of dissolution where a solute, which is typically a solid, liquid, or gas, is incorporated into it. The properties of solvents allow them to interact with the solute and lead to a homogeneous mixture at the molecular level.

In various applications, including skin care formulations, solvents can facilitate the delivery of active ingredients by dissolving them, thereby enabling better absorption and effectiveness. The concept of solvents is fundamental in chemistry, as they are involved in numerous processes ranging from industrial manufacturing to cosmetic formulations.

In contrast, an emulsion refers to a mixture of two immiscible liquids where one is dispersed in the other, often stabilized by an emulsifier. A solute is the substance that is being dissolved, while a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid but not dissolved. All of these terms are related to mixtures, but they represent different aspects of how substances interact in a solution.