Mixtures and Solubility Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts of mixtures, solubility, and their applications to understand the material deeply.

What is a mixture?

A combination of two or more materials in the same container.

What is a solute?

The substance that gets dissolved, such as Kool-Aid powder.

What is a solvent?

The substance that dissolves the solute, such as water.

What are heterogeneous mixtures?

Mixtures where components are visibly different and distinct parts can be seen, like pizza toppings or trail mix.

What are homogeneous mixtures?

Evenly mixed mixtures where separate parts cannot be seen, known as solutions, such as salt water or air.

What is a suspension?

A type of mixture where particles eventually settle out, like orange juice with pulp.

What is solubility?

The amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent.

What factors affect solubility?

Temperature, pressure, and the type of substances.

What happens to gas solubility as temperature increases?

Gas solubility decreases as temperature increases.

What is an electrolyte?

A substance that breaks apart in water to form ions and conducts electricity.

What is a nonelectrolyte?

A substance that does not break apart into ions in water and does not conduct electricity.

How can you increase the rate of solubility?

By increasing temperature, increasing surface area, or agitation (stirring).

What is super saturation?

A solution that holds more solute than normal at a given temperature.

What triggers the crystallization in supersaturated solutions?

Disturbance in the solution, such as clicking a metal disc in hand warmers.

Why do fish tanks need cooler water?

Because warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which is less suitable for fish.

How is heat related to hand warmers?

Heat is released during rapid crystallization of a supersaturated solution when triggered.

Why does the solubility of gases change with pressure?

The solubility of gases changes with pressure due to Henry's Law, which states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid at a given temperature is directly proportional to the pressure of the gas above the liquid.