solution and solubility

Learning outcomes:
explain what solute , solvent and solution are state the differences between a dilute solution, a concentrated solution and a saturated solution explain what is meant by solubility explain the factors affecting the solubility of solutes in water

Solute, solvent and solution

A solute is the substance which dissolves in a liquid. A solvent is a liquid which dissolves a substance. A solution is the uniform (homogenous) mixture that is formed when a substances is in another substance.

explain the importance of water as a universal solvent give examples of the uses of organic solvents in everyday life.

solute + solvent

solution

Examples of solutions include the following: a) Solid dissolved in liquid b) Solid dissolved in solid c) Liquid dissolved in liquid d) Gas dissolved in liquid e) Gas dissolved in gas f) Gas dissolved in solid

differences between a solution and a suspension

solution
a) Homogenous b) Allows light to pass through. looks clear and transparent c) particles do not separate when left to stand d) Cannot be separated by ltration

suspension
a) Non-Homogenous b) Scatters light and does not allow much light to pass through. looks cloudy c) insoluble particles settle at the bottom when left to stand d) Can be separated by ltration

dilute, concentrated and saturated solutions

dilute solution
a dilute solution contains very little solute It still can dissolve much more solute

Concentrated solution saturated solution

a dilute solution contains a lot solute It still can dissolve a little more solute a saturated solution has dissolved the maximum amount of solute It cannot dissolve any more solute Any extra solute added into the solution will be deposited at the bottom of the solution.

solubility and factors affecting it

1. The solubility of a solute is the number of grams of the solute that can dissolve in 100 cm 3 of water at a certain temperature to form a saturated solution. 2. Different solutes have different solubilities at different temperatures. 3. The solubility of a solute increases with the rise of the temperature of the water

4. A saturated solution can be made to dissolve more solute by heating it. However, if the hot , saturated solution is cooled, the excess solute will settle out as crystals. 5. Chemists have determined the solubilities of different solutes and presented them in the form of solubility graphs. 6. The solubility of a solute is affected by : a) the nature of the solute b) the nature of the solvent c) temperature

Factors affecting the rate of dissolving

the rate (speed ) a solute dissolves in a solvent depends on the following factors. 1. Temperature 2. stirring 3. volume of solvent 4. nature of solute 5. nature of solvent 6. size of solute

temperature

the hotter the solvent , the faster the solute dissolves. a hot solvent supplies more energy to the particles in the solute. as a result the particles break way from the solute faster

stirring

a solute dissolves in the solvent if the solute is stirred. stirring breaks up the solute and causes its particles to move faster into the space between the particles of the solvent

size of solute

a solute in powder form dissolves faster than in one large piece. this is because tiny pieces of solute offer a larger surface area to come into contact with the solvent.

volume of solvent

a large of solvent dissolves a solute faster. a large volume of solvent has more empty spaces between its particles for the particles of solute to enter.

nature of solute

the rate of dissolving depends on the properties of the solute . some solutes do not dissolve in certain solvents.

nature of solvent

the rate of dissolving depends on the type of solvent. some solvents do not dissolve certain solutes.

water as a universal solvent

water is known as a universal solvent because it can dissolve many substances. solutions that use water as a solvent are known as aqueous solutions. importance of water as in everyday life.