Dissolving

 

What is a solution?

A solution is formed when a substance mixes with a liquid. The liquid is called the solvent. The substance that has mixed with the liquid is called the solute.
A solution can also be called a mixture.

When a solid mixes with a liquid, it breaks down into smaller pieces that spread out through the solvent.

For example, salt dissolves when it is stirred into water.

 

 

 

Insoluble or soluble?

If a solid does not mix with a certain liquid, it is insoluble in that liquid. Some examples include:

Wax does not mix with water. Chalk does not mix with water. Salt does not mix with propanone. Polystyrene does not mix with water, but it mixes with propanone. When an insoluble white powder is stirred into a clear liquid it does not mix. At first the liquid will look white, but after a few minutes the liquid will become clear again as the powder sinks to the bottom of the container.

 

Summary:

 

• A solution is formed when a solute mixes with a solvent.
• If a substance can mix with a solvent, it is soluble. If it cannot mix, it is called insoluble.
• Heating, stirring and using small pieces are all ways to make dissolving faster.