Introductory Chemistry: Solutions and Aqueous Chemistry

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concentration units from Chapter 11 on aqueous solutions.

Solutions

Homogeneous mixtures of two or more pure substances, which can be elements or compounds.

Solvent

The substance in a solution that is present in the greatest abundance.

Solutes

Substances in a solution other than the solvent.

Aqueous solution

A solution where water is the solvent.

Dissociation

The process by which ionic compounds dissolve in water and the water surrounds the separated ions.

Solvation

The interaction of molecular compounds with water when they dissolve, where most do not dissociate.

Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in water; ionic compounds in solution are known as this.

Nonelectrolyte

A substance that may dissolve in water but does not dissociate into ions.

Solubility

The amount of solute that will dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a given temperature.

Saturated

A solution that contains the maximum amount of solute at the given temperature.

Unsaturated

A solution that contains less than the maximum amount of solute at the given temperature.

Supersaturated

A very unstable solution that contains more than the maximum amount of solute.

Concentration

The quantity of solute dissolved in a solution.

Molarity ($M$)

A measure of concentration defined as: $\text{Molarity (M) = } \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{volume of solution in liters}}$.

Molality ($m$)

A unit of concentration defined as the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

Percentage composition by mass (% m/m)

Also known as mass percentage, it specifies an amount based on the mass of the component relative to the total mass.

Parts per thousand (ppth)

A concentration unit used for low concentrations, requiring both masses to be expressed in the same unit.

Stock solutions

Concentrated forms of solutions often stored and then diluted with water to the needed concentration.

Dilution equation

$M_1V_1 = M_2V_2$, where $M_1, V_1$ are the molarity and volume of the initial concentrated solution and $M_2, V_2$ are of the final diluted solution.

Hypokalemia

A medical condition referring to low potassium levels.