Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Dissolved describes a state in which a solute is uniformly dispersed within a solvent, forming a solution. The solute particles are at the molecular or ionic level.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
When a substance dissolves, it breaks down into smaller particles that interact with the solvent molecules.
The solubility of a substance depends on temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent.
In aqueous solutions, water acts as the solvent and dissolves many ionic compounds due to its polar nature.
The concentration of dissolved substances in a solution is often measured in molarity (M), defined as moles of solute per liter of solution.
Dynamic equilibrium can occur in saturated solutions where the rate of dissolution equals the rate of precipitation.