Solutions

Front

What is a solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is the substance that is present in the smaller amount in a solution and is dissolved by the solvent.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is the substance that does the dissolving in a solution and is usually present in a larger amount.

Front

What is an electrolyte?

Back

An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, produces ions and can conduct electricity.

Front

What does it mean for a substance to be soluble?

Back

A substance is soluble if it can dissolve in a solvent, forming a solution.

Front

What is the difference between a strong electrolyte and a weak electrolyte?

Back

A strong electrolyte completely dissociates into ions in solution, while a weak electrolyte only partially dissociates.

Front

What is polarity in terms of molecules?

Back

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule, leading to a molecule having a positive and a negative end.

Front

Why does water dissolve many ionic compounds?

Back

Water is a polar solvent, and its partial positive and negative charges can interact with the charged ions in ionic compounds, pulling them apart and dissolving them.

Front

What is the role of temperature in solubility?

Back

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

Front

What is saturation in a solution?

Back

Saturation occurs when a solution can no longer dissolve additional solute at a given temperature and pressure.