solutions - What is the solvent and what is the solute?

This question is and I am learning about mixtures, solutions, solutes, solvents, and other terms related to these words.

I know that a solute is the substance being mixed with or dissolved into the solvent.

Substances and mixtures: are these solvents and solutes correct?

1. coffee with milk - solvent:coffee , solute:milk


2. salt water - solvent:water , solute:salt


3. air freshener - solvent:air , solute:scent


4. brass - solvent:zinc , solute:copper

Answer

In a binary homogeneous mixture, the component present in the larger amount is generally called the "solvent". The component present in the smaller amount is generally the "solute".

In your first example, however, it is more complicated as coffee is already a complex solution (but mainly water). Milk is not a homogeneous mixture. It is a fat/protein emulsion (also mainly water).

The other three are solutions: salt water is a solution of a solid dissolved in a liquid (which is the most familiar type), air freshener (one dispersed) is a solution of one gas in others (but air itself is a mixture), and brass is a solid solution.