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.

 

🧪 Knowledge Check: Dissolving

Test your understanding of solutes, solvents, and how solutions are formed based on the information provided.

1. In the process of dissolving, what is the scientific name for the liquid that a substance dissolves into?

• Solute
• Solvent
• Saturated

2. Which of the following is an example of a solute?

• Water
• A beaker
• Salt

3. What is formed when a solute and a solvent are mixed together and the solute dissolves?

• A solution
• A crystal
• A pure substance

4. What describes a solution where no more solute can be dissolved?

• Dissolved solution
• Saturated solution
• Diluted solution

5. What happens to solute particles during the dissolving process?

• They disappear and cease to exist.
• They break apart and mix with solvent particles.
• They grow larger and sink to the bottom.

Click to Reveal Answers

1. Solvent (The liquid that does the dissolving).
2. Salt (The solid substance that is dissolved).
3. A solution (The mixture of the solute and solvent).
4. Saturated solution (When the solvent can hold no more solute).
5. They break apart and mix with solvent particles (Dissolving involves the mixing of particles).

 

 

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.