IPC Notes: Solutions

A solution is the same thing as a homogeneous mixture (a mixture with the exact same composition throughout).

Parts of a Solution Solute-the substance that is being dissolved in a solution Solvent-the substance in a solution that is doing the dissolving

Parts of a Solution Example: –In a saltwater solution Salt is the solute Water is the solvent

When two liquids are able to dissolve into each other, they are called miscible. ex) water & vinegar If not, they are called immiscible. ex) water & oil

Solubility is the amount of a substance that will dissolve into an amount of solvent at a given temperature

A solvent (like water, for example) can only hold so much of a solute. Or in other words, there is a maximum amount of solute that any solvent can hold.

Concentration-the amount of solute that is dissolved into a solvent Concentrated-when a solution has a high concentration of solute Dilute-when a solution has a low concentration of solute

Concentration can be described in terms of “weak” or “strong”, “concentrated” or “dilute”, but these are both relative terms and can be subjective.

A saturated solution cannot hold any more of a solute at a given temperature. An unsaturated solution can hold more solute at a given temperature.

Sometimes, a solution can hold more of a solute than it should theoretically hold. This type of solution is called supersaturated. A supersaturated solution requires heating and stirring.