Solutes, Solvents & Solutions

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

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

Front

What is a solution?

Back

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

Front

What does 'like dissolves like' mean?

Back

'Like dissolves like' means that polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to an uneven distribution of charge.

Front

What is a nonpolar molecule?

Back

A nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of charge, meaning it does not have distinct positive or negative ends.

Front

What is an example of a polar solvent?

Back

Water is an example of a polar solvent.

Front

What is an example of a nonpolar solvent?

Back

Oil is an example of a nonpolar solvent.

Front

What happens when a base is dissolved in water?

Back

A base produces hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water.

Front

What are the characteristics of acids?

Back

Acids typically have a sour taste, can conduct electricity, and produce hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.