What happens to the total volume of a solution when you add a solute to a solvent?

When a solute is added to a solvent, the total volume of the solution typically increases, but not always by the full volume of the solute added. This is because the solute particles occupy spaces between the solvent molecules, which can lead to a volume contraction in some cases. Overall, while there is an increase in volume, the exact change depends on the nature of the solute and solvent involved.