In a solution of sugar water, the solute is sugar, and the solvent is water. This distinction is important in understanding how solutions work.
The solute is the substance that gets dissolved, while the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. Here, when sugar is mixed with water, sugar molecules disperse throughout the water, creating a sweet solution.
In terms of quantity, the solute (sugar) is usually present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent (water), which typically exists in larger quantities. This relationship between solute and solvent is vital in various applications, including cooking, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processes.