Solubility and Solutions

Front

What is solubility?

Back

Solubility is the ability of a substance (solute) to dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is the substance that is dissolved in a solution.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is the substance that does the dissolving in a solution.

Front

What is a saturated solution?

Back

A saturated solution is one that contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at a given temperature.

Front

How does temperature affect solubility?

Back

Generally, for most solids, solubility increases with an increase in temperature.

Front

What is miscibility?

Back

Miscibility is the ability of two substances to mix in all proportions, forming a homogeneous solution.

Front

What is the difference between a solution and a mixture?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture, while a mixture can be heterogeneous and may not have uniform composition.

Front

What happens when a saturated solution is cooled?

Back

When a saturated solution is cooled, some solute may crystallize out of the solution.

Front

What is the effect of pressure on the solubility of gases?

Back

Increasing pressure increases the solubility of gases in liquids.