Properties of Solutions

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 is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solution. For example, salt in saltwater.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute in a solution. For example, water in saltwater.

Front

What does it mean for a solution to be saturated?

Back

A saturated solution is one that has dissolved as much solute as possible at a given temperature.

Front

What is an unsaturated solution?

Back

An unsaturated solution is one that contains less solute than it can hold at a given temperature.

Front

What is a supersaturated solution?

Back

A supersaturated solution contains more solute than it can normally hold at a given temperature.

Front

How does temperature affect solubility?

Back

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

Front

What is the solubility of a substance?

Back

Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature.

Front

What happens when a saturated solution cools down?

Back

When a saturated solution cools down, some solute may crystallize out of the solution.

Front

What is an example of a saturated solution?

Back

An example of a saturated solution is saltwater where no more salt can dissolve.