Solutions

Definition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, a solute is dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a single phase with uniform properties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Solutions can be formed with many different types of solutes and solvents, including gases, liquids, and solids.
2. The solubility of a solute in a solvent depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the chemical properties of the substances involved.
3. Solutions can be classified based on their concentration, such as dilute, concentrated, saturated, or supersaturated.
4. The formation of a solution is often accompanied by a change in energy, which can be either exothermic (releasing heat) or endothermic (absorbing heat).
5. Solutions play a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes, including metabolism, transportation, and the functioning of living organisms.

Review Questions

• Explain the concept of a solution and its key components.
  • A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, where a solute is dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a single phase with uniform properties. The solute is the component that is dissolved, typically in smaller quantity than the solvent, which is the dissolving medium. The formation of a solution involves the interaction between the solute and solvent, and the properties of the solution depend on the concentration of the solute.
• Describe the factors that affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent.
  • The solubility of a solute in a solvent depends on several factors, including temperature, pressure, and the chemical properties of the substances involved. As temperature increases, the solubility of most solutes in liquids tends to increase, as the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, facilitating their dissolution. Pressure can also affect solubility, particularly for gases, as increased pressure can increase the amount of gas that can dissolve in a liquid. Additionally, the chemical properties of the solute and solvent, such as their polarity and size, can influence the solubility of the solute in the solvent.
• Analyze the role of solutions in various chemical and biological processes.
  • Solutions play a crucial role in numerous chemical and biological processes. In chemistry, solutions are essential for various reactions, separations, and purifications, as the solute and solvent can interact to facilitate these processes. In biology, solutions are fundamental to the functioning of living organisms, as they are involved in metabolism, transportation, and the maintenance of homeostasis. For example, the blood plasma is a solution that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. Additionally, the cytoplasm within cells is a solution that facilitates the movement of molecules and the occurrence of essential biochemical reactions. The ubiquity of solutions in both chemical and biological systems highlights their importance in understanding and manipulating the world around us.

Related terms

Solute: The component of a solution that is dissolved, typically in smaller quantity than the solvent.

Solvent: The dissolving medium in a solution, typically the component present in the greatest amount.

Concentration: The measure of the amount of solute present in a given quantity of solution or solvent.