Explain why a solution can have many solutes, but only one solvent.

A solution is a homogenous mixture of substances with variable composition. The substance present in the major proportion is called the solvent, whereas the substance present in the minor proportion is called the solute. It is possible to have solutions composed of several solutes. The process of a solute dissolving in a solute is called dissolution.

Many common mixtures (like concrete) are heterogeneous - the components and properties of such mixtures are not distributed uniformly throughout their structures. Conversely, solutions are said to be homogeneous because they have uniform composition and properties. Solutions are intimate and random homogeneous mixtures of atomic-size chemical species, ions, or molecules.

The solvent is the most abundant substance in a solution. In a 51/49 mixture of water and alcohol, water is the solvent whereas in a 49/51 mixture, alcohol is the solvent.