Name: __________________________________
Date: _______________________
B7
Solutions
Solutions are also known as homogeneous mixtures.
Solutions are composed of one or many solute(s) and only 1 solvent
 Solute:
− the smaller quantity of the solution
− substance that is being dissolved
 Solvent:
− the larger quantity of the solution
− substance that is doing the dissolving
A solution can exist in any of the 3 states of matter (solid, liquid or gas).
1. Solid Solutions
ex:
brass = copper
+
(solvent)
zinc
This is called
an alloy.
(solute)
2. Gas Solutions
ex:
air = nitrogen + oxygen + argon + carbon dioxide
(solvent)
(solutes)
3. Liquid Solutions
ex:
vinegar = acetic acid
(solvent)
+
water
(solute)
Dissolution
When 2 or more substances mix to form a solution, dissolution occurs. The solute
(ex. salt) dissolves in the solvent (ex. water).
How does this happen?
1) The particles of a solute (salt) are more attracted to the
particles of a solvent (water) than they are to themselves.
2) The solvent (water) particles detach the solute (salt)
particles from the grain and keep it away from other solute
(salt) particles.
3) When dissolution is complete the solute particles (salt) will be uniformly
distributed in the solvent particles (water).
→ If the particles of the solute are not attracted to
the particles of the solvent, the two substances
cannot form a solution.
This will result in a heterogeneous mixture (ex: sand
and water).
Solutions Vocabulary
Concentration: it is a ratio (proportion); the amount of solute (ex: salt) which is
dissolved in a given quantity of solvent (ex: water).
Dilute solution: a solution with a low concentration.
ie. a low amount of solute in relation to the solvent (ex. diluted juice)
Concentrated solution: a solution with a high concentration.
ie. a high amount of solute in relation to the solvent (ex. frozen juice
concentrate)
Unsaturated solution: a solution that still contains room for more solute particles
to dissolve into the solvent particles.
Saturated solution: a solution in which all the spaces between solvent (water)
particles have been filled by solute (salt); it can hold no more solute.
Super saturated solution: the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved
in a given quantity of solvent has been surpassed (the extra solute has made
this solution into a heterogeneous mixture).
Solubility: the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a given
quantity of solvent (at this point the solution is said to be saturated).
*** solubility is a characteristic property ***
Homework:
1) Create a cartoon that illustrates the phases of dissolution. Use labels and headings.
2) Draw a diagram to illustrate each of the following terms:
a) dilute solution
b) concentrated solution
c) saturated solution
d) unsaturated solution
Solutions and Mixtures Practice Questions
1) A solution is defined as a mixture that is...
a) Homologous
b) Heterogeneous
c) Homogeneous
2) Which of these is a solution?
a) 14K Gold
b) Salt Water
c) Carbonated Water
d) All of the above
3) Solutions with low concentrations of solutes are...
a) Concentrated
b) Dilute
c) Solvents
4) The most common solvent of Earth is...
a) Gasoline
b) Water
c) Turpentine
5) All liquids are able to be mixed to create solutions.
a) True
b) False
6) Mixtures are always combinations of the same compounds that are in different states.
a) True
b) False
7) All mixtures are defined as "heterogeneous."
a) True
b) False
8) All solutions are mixtures, but not all mixtures are solutions.
a) True
b) False
9) Which of these is not a mixture?
a) Solution
b) Alloy
c) They are all mixtures.
10) Which of these is not a mixture?
a) Oil and Water
b) Sand and Water
c) Diet Soda
d) All are mixtures.
Homework #2
(for next class)
Part 1:
1) Fill one glass with one cup of water.
2) Add one teaspoon (normal small spoon) of salt to the glass. Stir.
3) Observe the solution.
4) Continue to add one teaspoon of salt at a time to the glass until you notice
that the solution has become supersaturated… you will be able to tell because
the salt will no longer dissolve in the water and will fall to the bottom of the
glass.
5) Record how many teaspoons of salt it took until the solution became
supersaturated.
Part 2:
1) Repeat the same procedure but this time do it with sugar.
2) Record how many teaspoons of sugar it takes until the solution becomes
supersaturated.
Answer the following questions in your notebook:
1) How many teaspoons of salt did it take for the solution became
supersaturated?
2) How many teaspoons of sugar did it take for the solution became
supersaturated?
3) What does this tell you about the solubility of salt versus the solubility of sugar
in water?