Solutions and Solubility
A solution is a solute dissolved in a solvent.
About this topic
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of a solute dissolved in a solvent. Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that dissolves in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature. Solutions can be unsaturated, saturated or supersaturated. The rule of thumb is like dissolves like: polar and ionic solutes dissolve in polar solvents such as water, and nonpolar solutes in nonpolar solvents.
Dissolving happens when attractions between solvent and solute particles are strong enough to overcome those holding the solute together. Water molecules surround ions in a process called hydration, pulling them out of the lattice. Rate of dissolving increases with stirring, heating and crushing the solid into smaller pieces, which exposes more surface. Solubility of most solids rises with temperature, but gases become less soluble when heated, which is why warm soda goes flat faster and why fish struggle in warm water. Pressure raises the solubility of gases (Henry's law).
Example: sugar dissolves easily in tea, but oil floats on water. A supersaturated solution, made by cooling a hot saturated one carefully, crystallises dramatically when a seed crystal is added, as used in hand warmers.
A misconception is that dissolved solute disappears; it is still there and conserved. Another is that dissolving and melting are the same.
Key ideas
- Like dissolves like
- Solubility varies with temperature
- Saturated vs unsaturated
Quick check
Use cases: where Solutions and Solubility helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Solutions and Solubility before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Solutions and Solubility without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Solutions and Solubility changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Solutions and Solubility in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Chemistry explains medicine, food, cleaning products, fuels and building materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is Solutions and Solubility?
A solution is a solute dissolved in a solvent.
What will I learn in Solutions and Solubility?
Like dissolves like. Solubility varies with temperature. Saturated vs unsaturated.
Is Solutions and Solubility part of Chemistry?
Yes. It is one of 150 Chemistry topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Solutions and Solubility lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Solutions and Solubility?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.