What is Solutions and Dissolving? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is a Solution?

A solution is a specific type of mixture in which one substance is dissolved in another. An identical, or homogenous, solution makes it a homogeneous mixture.

A Solution has certain Characteristics:

It is uniform or homogeneous in the whole mixture

It is stable and does not change over time or is stable

The solute particles are so small that they cannot be separated by filtration

Molecules of solute and solvent are indistinguishable with the naked eye

It does not diffuse a beam of light

Example of a Solution

An example of a solution is brine which is a mixture of water and salt. You can’t see salt and salt and water will remain a solution if left alone.

Parts of a Solution

Solute – A solute is a substance that is dissolved by another substance. In the example above, the salt is the solute.

Solvent – A solvent is a substance that dissolves another substance. In the above example, water is the solvent. dissolve

Dissolving

A solution is made when a substance called a solute “dissolves” into another substance called a solvent. Solubility occurs when a solute is broken down from a larger molecular crystal into much smaller groups or individual molecules. This fracture is due to solvent exposure.

In the case of brine, the water molecules separate the salt molecules from the larger lattice. They do this by removing ions and then surrounding the salt molecules. Every salt molecule still exists. It is now surrounded by water molecules instead of attached to a salt crystal.

Solubility

Solubility is a measure of how much solute can be dissolved in one liter of solvent. Think of the example of water and salt. If you keep adding salt to the water, at some point the water will no longer be able to dissolve the salt.

Saturated

When a solution reaches the point where the solute can no longer be dissolved, it is said to be “saturated”. If the saturated solution loses its solvent, solid crystals of the solute will begin to form. This is what happens when the water evaporates and salt crystals begin to form.

Concentration

The concentration of a solution is the ratio of the solute to the solvent. If there is a lot of solute dissolved in the solution, it is “concentrated”. If a small amount of solute is present, the solution is said to be “diluted”.

Miscible and Immiscible

When two liquids can be mixed to form a solution, they are said to be “miscible”. If two liquids cannot be mixed to form a solution, they are said to be “immiscible”. An example of a miscible liquid is alcohol and water. An example of an immiscible liquid is oil and water. Ever heard the saying “oil and water do not mix”? This is because they are not miscible.

Interesting Facts about Solutions

There is a solvent called aqua regia that can dissolve precious metals, including gold and platinum.

You cannot see the beam of light as it passes through the real solution. This means fog is not a solution. It’s a glue.

Solutions can be liquid, solid or gaseous. An example of a solid solution is steel.

Solids are generally more soluble at higher temperatures.