Solutions and Solubility

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What is a solution in chemistry?

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, a solute is dissolved in a solvent.

What is solubility?

Solubility is the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent at a certain temperature and pressure to form a homogeneous solution.

How does temperature affect solubility?

For most solids, solubility increases with temperature, whereas the solubility of gases decreases as temperature increases.

What role does pressure play in solubility for gases?

Pressure increases the solubility of gases. According to Henry's law, the solubility of a gas is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the solution.

What is a saturated solution?

A saturated solution is a solution in which no more solute can dissolve at a given temperature and pressure.

What is meant by an unsaturated solution?

An unsaturated solution can dissolve more solute at a given temperature and pressure.

What is a supersaturated solution?

A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than would be normally possible at a certain temperature.

How does stirring affect solubility?

Stirring a solution usually increases the rate at which the solute dissolves, but does not change the total amount of solute that can dissolve.

What is an example of a solution in everyday life?

Salt water is a common example where salt (solute) is dissolved in water (solvent) to form a solution.

What factors affect solubility?

Solubility is affected by temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent.

Why is solubility important in pharmaceuticals?

Solubility determines how well a drug can be absorbed into the bloodstream, impacting its effectiveness.

What is a colloid?

A colloid is a mixture where one substance is dispersed in another but not dissolved, with particles larger than in a solution but smaller than in a suspension.

Can all solutes be dissolved in all solvents?

No, solubility depends on the chemical nature of the solute and solvent and their interactions.

What is the Tyndall effect?

The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid or in fine suspensions.

What is a common laboratory method to measure solubility?

A common method is to add solute to a solvent until no more dissolves, then weigh the undissolved solute to calculate solubility.


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