5.2 Solution and Rate of Solubility

• Solute is a substance that can dissolve in a liquid, whereas solvent is a liquid that dissolves a substance.
• Solution is the mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent
• Types of solution

  • dilute solution
  • concentrated solution
  • saturated solution
• Dilute Solution

  • less amount of solute in the solvent
  • can dissolve more solute
• Concentrated solution

  • more amount of solute in the solvent
  • can dissolve less solute
• Saturated solution

  • excess amount of solute in the solvent
  • cannot dissolve any more solute and form precipitate
• Solution is a clear mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent, whereas suspension is a cloudy mixture formed from undissolved solute particles in a solvent
• Solubility of a solute is the maximum amount of the solute that can dissolve in 100ml of solvent at a specific temperature
• Colloid is a mixture of two or more solutes dispersed evenly in a solvent
• High temperature and rate of stirring of solvent cause the particles to move rapidly. This causes the particles of solvent and solute to fill up the spaces between them faster
• Sugar dissolves faster in hot coffee when stirred

  • High temperature and rate of stirring of solvent cause the particles to move rapidly. This causes the particles of solvent and solute to fill up the spaces between them faster.
• Fine sugar dissolves faster compared to sugar cubes

  • The smaller the size of solute, the bigger the total surface area that is exposed to the solvent particles. This allows the solute to dissolve faster in the solvent
• Water is known as universal solvent due to its ability to dissolve almost all substances, solids, liquids or gases. Water is used as a solvent in domestic use and also as a raw material in the manufacturing industry, agriculture and medicine
• Organic solvents which are carbon-based can be used to dissolve solutes that are insoluble in water.

  1. Alcohol (perfume, antiseptic)
  2. Kerosene (lamp oil)
  3. Acetone (nail varnish, lacquer)
  4. Turpentine (paint remover, paint thinner)
  5. Ether (Oil extraction)