NATURE OF SOLUTIONS

A  solution consist of  solute, the substance that dissolves, and solvent, the substance in

which the solute dissolves. A solution may have one or more solutes dissolved in a given solvent. 

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      The particles of solute are the size of individual small molecules or individual small ions. One nanometer is about the maximum diameter for a solute particle.

     The mixture does not separate on standing. In a gravity environment the solution will not come apart due to any difference in density of the materials in the solution.

     The mixture does not separate by common fiber filter. The entire solution will pass through the filter.

     Once it is completely mixed, the mixture is homogeneous. If you take a sample of the solution from any point in the solution, the proportions of the materials will be the same.

     The mixture appears clear rather than cloudy. It may have some color to it, but it seems to be transparent otherwise. The mixture shows no Tyndall effect. Light is not scattered by the solution. If you shine a light into the solution, the pathway of the light through the solution is not revealed to an observer out of the pathway.

     The solute is completely dissolved into the solvent up to a point characteristic of the solvent, solute, and temperature. At a saturation point the solvent no longer can dissolve any more of the solute. If there is a saturation point, the point is distinct and characteristic of the type of materials and temperature of the solution.

     The solution of an ionic material into water will result in an electrolyte solution. The ions of solute will separate in water to permit the solution to carry an electric current.

     The solution shows an increase in osmotic pressure between it and a reference solution as the amount of solute is increased.

     The solution shows an increase in boiling point as the amount of solute is increased.

     The solution shows a decrease in melting point as the amount of solute is increased.

     A solution of a solid non-volatile solute in a liquid solvent shows a decrease in vapor pressure above the solution as the amount of solute is increased.

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  Other Terms [ NATURE OF SOLUTIONS ]   :

Soluble -  a substance that dissolves in another substance. Examples are salt and sugars are soluble in water.

Insoluble – substance that does not dissolve in another. Example copper and mercury do not dissolve in water.

Miscible – liquids which are soluble in each other

Immiscible – liquids that do not mix

Electrolyte- is a substance that dissolves in water to form a solution that conducts electric current.

Non- electrolyte- is a substance that dissolves in water to give a solution that does not conduct electric current.