Which term refers to the process of making a solution thinner or weaker?

Dilution is the process of making a solution thinner or weaker by adding more solvent, typically water, to it. When a solute is mixed with a solvent, the concentration of the solute decreases as the total volume of the solution increases. This decrease in solute concentration is what characterizes dilution. It is a common practice in laboratory settings and cooking, ensuring that solutions reach the desired strength or concentration for specific applications. The concept of dilution is crucial for various scientific calculations, especially in chemistry and pharmaceuticals, where precise concentrations are necessary for reactions and formulations.

In contrast, concentration refers to the amount of solute present in a given volume of solution, saturation describes a solution that has reached its maximum concentration where no more solute can dissolve, and solvation is the process in which solute particles are surrounded by solvent molecules.