Solvent

Key Stage 3

A solvent is the liquid used to make a solution.

The most common solvent used is water. Many different solids can dissolve in water.

Alcohol is also a good solvent and many solids which do not dissolve in water will dissolve in alcohol which is why alcohol is often used in cleaning products.

Some solvents are dangerous to humans and are sometimes used as drugs. These include the solvents used in some paints.