Identifying the Solvent in a Sugar Syrup Solution

Introduction
A sugar syrup solution is a liquid mixture composed of sugar (solid) and water (liquid). In such a solution, one component will be the solvent, and the other will be the solute.

Identification of the Solvent
In this case, water is the solvent because it is the component present in the larger amount. The solution contains 40% w/w of water, which means that for every 100 grams of the solution, 40 grams are water. The remaining 60% w/w is cane sugar, which makes it the solute in the solution.

Explanation
The solvent is the component of a solution that dissolves the solute, forming a homogeneous mixture. In this case, water dissolves cane sugar to form a sugar syrup solution. Water is a polar molecule, and cane sugar is a polar molecule too. Water molecules are attracted to the polar ends of the cane sugar molecules and surround them, breaking the sugar crystals apart. This process is called hydration, and it occurs because of the water's ability to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the solvent in a sugar syrup solution containing 60% w/w cane sugar and 40% w/w water is water. Water dissolves the cane sugar, forming a homogeneous mixture that is used for various purposes, such as cooking, baking, and preserving food.