Solutions: Solute and Solvent

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is the substance that is dissolved in a solution. For example, sugar is a solute when dissolved in water.

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What is a solvent?

Back

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

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent.

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What is a saturated solution?

Back

A saturated solution is a solution that has dissolved the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature.

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What is an unsaturated solution?

Back

An unsaturated solution is a solution that can still dissolve more solute at a given temperature.

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What is a supersaturated solution?

Back

A supersaturated solution is a solution that contains more solute than can normally dissolve at a given temperature.

Front

What happens during the process of dilution?

Back

During dilution, more solvent is added to a solution, decreasing the concentration of the solute.

Front

What is the role of temperature in solubility?

Back

Temperature can affect the solubility of a solute; generally, higher temperatures increase solubility for solids.

Front

What is the difference between a homogeneous and heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout (like a solution), while a heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition.

Front

What is concentration in terms of solutions?

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Concentration refers to the amount of solute present in a given volume of solvent or solution.