Correct Option
The correct option isComparative terms indicating the relative amount of solute.
Explanation
In chemistry, a solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances: the solute (the substance dissolved) and the solvent (the dissolving medium). The term concentration refers to the amount of solute present in a given quantity of solvent or solution.
Option Analysis
- Absolute values defined by IUPAC. is Incorrect: The terms "dilute" and "concentrated" are qualitative descriptions, not quantitative absolute values defined by IUPAC. There is no specific numerical threshold that separates a dilute solution from a concentrated one.
- Comparative terms indicating the relative amount of solute. is Correct: These are comparative terms. A dilute solution contains a relatively small amount of solute dissolved in a large amount of solvent. Conversely, a concentrated solution contains a relatively large amount of solute. The distinction is relative rather than absolute.
- Applicable only to solid-in-liquid solutions. is Incorrect: These terms are applicable to various types of solutions, including liquid-in-liquid (e.g., alcohol in water) and gas-in-liquid (e.g., ammonia in water), not just solid-in-liquid systems.
- Determined by the density of the solvent. is Incorrect: While the concentration of a solution affects its density, the terms "dilute" and "concentrated" are defined by the ratio of solute to solvent, not by the density of the solvent itself.
Key Takeaway
Dilute and concentrated are relative, qualitative terms describing the proportion of solute within a solution; they do not represent fixed scientific constants or absolute values.