Properties of Solutions

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance (solute) is dissolved in another (solvent).

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solution. For example, salt in saltwater.

A solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute in a solution. For example, water in saltwater.

A saturated solution is one that has dissolved as much solute as possible at a given temperature.

An unsaturated solution is one that contains less solute than it can hold at a given temperature.

A supersaturated solution contains more solute than it can normally hold at a given temperature.

Generally, as temperature increases, the solubility of solids in liquids increases, while the solubility of gases decreases.

Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature.

When a saturated solution cools down, some solute may crystallize out of the solution.

An example of a saturated solution is saltwater where no more salt can dissolve.