solvent Any liquid that dissolves another solute and
forms a homogeneous solution. Several types of sol-
vents exist, such as organic solvents (acetone, ethanol)
or hydrocarbon solvents such as mineral spirits. Water
is the most common solvent.
solvent extraction A method of removing a sub-
stance (solute) from solution by allowing the solution
to contact a second liquid that is immiscible with the
first solvent and in which the solute is more soluble.solvent isotope effect SeeISOTOPE EFFECT, SOLVENT.solvent parameter Quantitative measures of the
capability of solvents for interaction with solutes.solvent parameter 251Array of solar panels (photovoltaic cells) on the roof of terraced houses in Heerhugowaard in the Netherlands. This is part of a Dutch
government pilot project to investigate clean, renewable energy forms such as solar power. The 10 houses in this terrace (only two seen
here) have a total of 200 square meters of solar panels on their roofs. The total power output of these solar panels is 24.6 kilowatts. The
photovoltaic cells contain a semiconducting material that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar power is relatively cheap, as
once the panels are installed, they continue to produce electricity indefinitely.(Courtesy of Martin Bond/Science Photo Library)