Understanding Solutions

What is a Solution?

• A solution is a well-mixed mixture.

• A solvent dissolves other substances.• Example: water

• A solute is being dissolved.• Example: salt

Concentration

• Dilute Solution – small amount of solute dissolved in the solvent

• Concentrated Solution – a lot of solute dissolved in the solvent.

Solubility• Solubility is the measure of how much

solute can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature.

• Saturated solution – no more solute can dissolve

• Unsaturated solution – can dissolve more solute

• Supersaturated – more dissolves than predicted

Factors Affecting Solubility• Pressure – the higher the pressure, the

more that can be dissolved

• Like dissolves like – the more similar the materials the easier they dissolve

• Temperature – the higher the temperature, the more that can be dissolved.

Ocean water is a solution

The universal solvent: Water

Types of solutions

Gas Gas Air (oxygen in nitrogen)

Gas Liquid Soda water (carbon dioxide in water)

Solid Liquid Ocean water (salt in water)

Solute Solvent Example

Solid Solid Gold jewelry (copper in gold)