In a solution of salt water, the water is the: A. solution B. solute

C. solvent

To determine whether the water is the solution, solute, or solvent in a saltwater solution, we need to understand the terms.

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solute and a solvent. The solute is the substance that is being dissolved, and the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. In other words, the solvent is the substance in greater quantity that dissolves the solute.

In the case of saltwater, the salt (solute) is being dissolved, and the water (solvent) is doing the dissolving. Therefore, the answer is:

C. solvent