Solubility is the ability of a substance, known as a solute, to dissolve in a solvent, forming a solution. The most common solvent is water, but other solvents like alcohol or oil can also be used. Factors affecting solubility include temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent. For example, salt dissolves well in water, while oil does not. When a solute dissolves, its particles spread out evenly in the solvent. The maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a specific amount of solvent at a given temperature is called the solubility limit. If more solute is added beyond this limit, it will not dissolve and will remain as a solid.