Properties of Solutions

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Dissolution Rate Noun

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[dis-uh-loo-shun reyt]

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Dissolution Rate

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The measure of how quickly a solute substance dissolves in a solvent to form a solution at a given temperature.

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Example: This diagram shows an ionic solid (solute) breaking apart into positive cations and negative anions, which are then surrounded by polar water molecules (solvent).

Front

Agitation Noun

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[aj-i-tey-shun]

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Agitation

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The process of stirring or shaking a mixture to increase particle motion and accelerate the rate of dissolution.

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Example: The arrows pointing at the test tube represent shaking or stirring, which causes the liquid inside to mix, demonstrating the process of agitation.

Front

Solvation Noun

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[sol-vey-shun]

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Solvation

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The molecular process where solvent molecules surround and interact with solute ions or molecules, pulling them into the solution.

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Example: This diagram shows solvation by illustrating how polar solvent molecules surround charged solute ions, with opposite partial charges attracting each other.

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Crystallization Noun

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[kris-tl-uh-zey-shun]

Back

Crystallization

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The process where dissolved solute particles leave the solution and re-form into a solid, ordered crystal structure.

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Example: This diagram shows how a desired compound, when dissolved in a hot solvent and then cooled, forms solid crystals, separating it from soluble impurities.

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Saturated Solution Noun

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[sach-uh-rey-tid suh-loo-shun]

Back

Saturated Solution

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A solution containing the maximum amount of dissolved solute possible for a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature.

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Example: This image shows a saturated solution by picturing a glass of liquid where no more solute (like sugar) can dissolve, causing it to collect at the bottom.

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Dynamic Equilibrium Noun

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[dahy-nam-ik ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uhm]

Back

Dynamic Equilibrium

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The state in a saturated solution where the opposing rates of solvation and crystallization are equal, resulting in no net change.

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Example: This graph shows that in a reversible reaction, dynamic equilibrium is reached when reactant and product concentrations stop changing because the forward and backward reaction rates have become equal.

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Solubility Noun

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[sol-yuh-bil-i-tee]

Back

Solubility

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The maximum amount of a substance that can dissolve in a specific amount of solvent at a given temperature and pressure.

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Example: This image shows a solute (sugar) dissolving in a solvent (water) to form a solution, demonstrating the property of solubility.

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Unsaturated Solution Noun

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[uhn-sach-uh-rey-tid suh-loo-shun]

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Unsaturated Solution

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A solution that contains less solute than its maximum capacity and is therefore able to dissolve more solute.

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Example: This diagram shows that adding a solute, like carbon dioxide (CO2), to a solvent, like water, results in an unsaturated solution because more solute could still be dissolved.

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Supersaturated Solution Noun

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[soo-per-sach-uh-rey-tid suh-loo-shun]

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Supersaturated Solution

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An unstable solution that holds more dissolved solute than is theoretically possible at a given temperature under normal conditions.

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Example: This diagram shows a supersaturated solution on the left, holding more dissolved material than normal, and how it quickly forms solid crystals when disturbed.

Front

Seed Crystal Noun

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[seed kris-tl]

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Seed Crystal

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A small crystal of a solute added to a supersaturated solution to provide a surface for rapid crystallization to begin.

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Example: This image shows a small seed crystal on the left, which acts as a starting point to grow a much larger crystal, shown on the right.